Egyptian tourism minister resigns

Egypt’s tourism minister has stepped down as the political crisis deepens in Egypt.

Hisham Zazou had tried to resign last month following the appointment of a governor in Luxor who is a member of the political arm of a group responsible for a massacre in the city

The 1997 attack killed 58 foreign tourists.

But the tourism minister was persuaded to stay after the governor resigned.

But now Zazou and five other ministers, including Egypt’s foreign minister Mohamed Kamel Amr, have handed in their resignations as violent anti-government protests continue across the country.

Three people were reportedly shot dead at demonstrations in Assyut and one in Beni Souef on Sunday.

More than 40 rapes and sexual assaults of Egyptian and foreign women were also reported at Sunday’s demonstrations.

The Foreign Office said some media reports suggest that some of those demonstrating in Tahrir Square and elsewhere are hostile and suspicious of any foreigners present.

"If you become aware of any nearby protests, leave the area immediately," it warned British visitors.

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has rejected a 48-hour ultimatum set by the Egyptian army, saying he will find his own national reconciliation.

The army has warned it will step in if the Morsi and his opponents fail to heed "the will of the people" but has denied that this amounts to a coup.