Cairo's Tahrir Square: 'Dark, dangerous and violent'

On the ninth day of protests in Egypt clashes have erupted in Cairo between supporters of President Mubarak and demonstrators calling on him to step down.

Rival groups fought pitched battles in the capital's main square.

The newly-appointed vice-president has called on the crowds to return home before meaningful talks on Egypt's future can begin.

Jeremy Bowen has been following the day's explosive events in Cairo.