Britain urges Egyptian authorities to show restraint

Britain today called for "restraint" from the Egyptian authorities as tens of thousands of demonstrators took to the streets of Cairo to demand the removal of President Hosni Mubarak.

Mr Mubarak's televised address last night seemed only to have enflamed passions among the angry crowds who thronged to Tahrir Square for the 18th day of protests following Friday prayers this morning.

Anti-Mubarak slogans were chanted outside the gates of the President's palace, while other demonstrations were held at the Cairo Parliament and the headquarters of state TV, where pickets turned back staff arriving for work.

Mr Mubarak today won military support for his refusal to leave office immediately, as the crowds are demanding. But there was no sign of troops - who have vowed not to use force on protesters - moving in to break up the demonstrations.