A protester has been killed after clashes between unidentified assailants and demonstrators gathered outside the defence ministry in the Egyptian capital who were calling for an end to military rule, security officials have told the Associated Press news agency.

The officials said that the clashes broke out late on Saturday, when the protesters were attacked. Rocks, fireworks, empty glass bottles and firebombs were used in three hours of street battles, AP reported.

At least 30 people were wounded in the clashes, the news agency said.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorised to speak to the media.