Tensions are rising in the Egyptian capital of Cairo, with the death of five people overnight following clashes with police officers.

Fights erupted after an officer accidentally killed a man while chasing a drug dealer.

12 others were wounded in the conflict, including two policemen and a soldier.

Clashes also broke out this afternoon, for a second day, at a court in Egypt's second city of Alexandria between protesters and security forces.

The protesters are demanding harsh verdicts for security officials on trial for a deadly crackdown during the Arab Spring uprising two years ago.