One person was killed and five others were wounded, including two police officers, when relatives of about 20 detainees attempted to storm the Dekerness police station Tuesday evening to break the prisoners free.
Security sources confirmed that coordination with the army had resulted in the apprehension of about 20 thugs and criminals Tuesday morning, some of whom were held inside the police station’s jail.
Given its daring nature, the attack is likely to increase worries about persisting lawlessness in Egypt following the withdrawal of police forces from major Egyptian cities on 28 January in response to popular unrest. Although the police later returned to the cities after the resignation of former President Hosni Mubarak on 11 February, they have had trouble re-imposing their authority on a nation still bitter about their past abuses.
Major General Adel Mehanna, director of security in Daqahlia Governorate, received an alert from the Dekerness police station that a large number of people armed with firearms and Molotov cocktails were trying to storm the station.
Military officers and security forces led by Brigadier General Saeed Amara, head of the investigations directorate, responded to the call.
Witnesses confirmed that people surrounded the station and exchanged live fire with the police inside. Hamdy Ibrahim Abdel Aal, 34, was killed in the clashes that continued until 11 pm Tuesday.
