Residents of al-Warraq district, Cairo, clashed yesterday with security after a fire broke out at al-Warraq police station and residents, fearing the blaze would spread to the prison cells, began pelting police with stones and bottles, said security officials.
 
Officials said the fire started when one of the prisoners set his blanket alight after quarrelling with an officer at the station. The fire then swept through other parts of the police station.
 
Four prisoners affected by the fumes were taken to hospital, while two policemen were injured in the violence.
 
The police summoned Central Security forces to protect the station against angry residents. Streets leading to the station were closed, but were reopened this morning.