Angry protesters in Cairo's central Tahrir Square seized some 50 police sergeants, whom they beat before releasing, according to eyewitnesses at the scene.
Protesters managed to break through a heavy police cordon and soon vented their rage on security personnel.
Demonstrators tore one officer’s uniform, seizing his gun before releasing him.
Eyewitnesses said protesters also demolished a fire engine that had been dispatched to disperse the crowds with water cannons. They also reportedly smashed two central security vehicles and assailed a number of security personnel.
Protesters declared they would continue their sit-in overnight, accusing authorities of bringing down local mobile phone networks to prevent them from mobilizing additional demonstrations.
Meanwhile, central security forces withdrew from nearby Talaat Harb Square, deploying instead to neighboring side streets.
All streets leading to the Ministry of Interior building, meanwhile, have been cordoned off.
