Clashes have continued through the night in Cairo as protests outside the US Embassy spill into a 3rd day.

The violence began in Libya and has been spreading across the Middle East.

It started after a US-produced film was seen as mocking the Prophet Mohammed.

Yesterday the demonstrations spread to Yemen as thousands stormed the US embassy in the capital Sanaa.

Groups across the region have called for fresh protests today after Friday prayers.

The US has put all of its diplomatic missions overseas on high alert.

The Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and President Barack Obama have condemned an attack on the consulate in Libya which left 3 diplmatic staff dead including the US ambassador.

There are reports that the attack in Benghazi may have been planned with the film protest simply used as a diversion.

Officials in Libya have arrested a number of militants in relation the the fatal consulate attack which took place on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.

2 American naval destroyers have now been dispatched to waters off Libya.

A 50-strong counter-terrorism team of Marines has been deployed to strengthen security at their embassy in Tripoli.

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