Egyptian police clash with protesters

Cairo: Egyptian police clashed with protesters in the Nile Delta town of Mahalla Al Kobra and arrested hundreds of people after a planned strike at a major textile factory there was canned because of government pressure.

Demonstrators angry about rising prices and low salaries set fire to government buildings and threw bricks at police, who responded with tear gas.

About 150 people were arrested and 80 wounded. Rioting continued through the night as protesters stormed the city hall and burned tyres and furniture in the streets.

Officials said nearly 100 others were arrested earlier elsewhere across Egypt.