(Mohamed Omar)
Clashes have erupted between police and protesters in Qasr Al-Eini Street in downtown Cairo on the eve of the second anniversary of the 25 January Revolution.
The clashes took place on Thursday afternoon, after protesters managed to dismantle one of the concrete barriers erected in Qasr Al-Eini Street. Dozens of protesters cheered after the barrier fell.
Clashes erupted between protesters and Central Security Forces (CSF) waiting on the other side of the barrier almost immediately. State-owned MENA reported that protesters threw rocks at the CSF who responded with tear gas and warning shots.
The Ministry of Interior called on protesters to stay away from the barriers, which they said were erected to protect the public and private property in the area.
Qasr AL-Eini Street is one of the streets that branch from Tahrir Square. Several marches will converge in the square on Friday, the second anniversary of the revolution. Both houses of parliament and the cabinet offices are on Qasr Al-Eini Street.
Five CSF officers were reported injured. It was unclear how many protesters were injured.
See In pictures: Clashes on Qasr Al-Eini Street for more images from the clashes
