At least five people were killed and hundreds injured overnight from live fire in Cairo's Tahrir Square as supporters of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak fired at protesters backing the opposition.

"Most of the casualties were the result of stone throwing and attacks with metal rods and sticks. At dawn today there were gunshots. The real casualties taken to hospital were 836, of which 86 are still in hospital and there are five dead," Health Minister Ahmed Samih Farid told state television by telephone.

Al-Arabiya said that the army has made arrests following the violence that broke out between pro and anti-government protesters, but did not give a number.

Despite the violence unleashed at them, protesters were adamant and thousands remained standing in the square. Eyewitnesses said the soldiers present did nothing to stop the fire, Ynetnews reported.