Egypt minister
safe after bid to blow up car

Officials say the minister, Mohammed Ibrahim, who is in charge of the country’s police force, survived.

They said it was not clear whether the late morning explosion was caused by a suicide car bombing or an explosives-laden vehicle detonated by remote control. Two police officers in the convoy were later said to be in serious condition and a child nearby suffered a serious leg injury.

Nasr City is a stronghold of the Muslim Brotherhood, the Islamist group from which ousted president Mohammed Morsi hails.

It was also the site of a sit-in protest by his supporters which was stormed by police on August 14, killing hundreds.

Mr Ibrahim later said his convoy was targeted by a “large” explosive device that was likely detonated by remote control.

Speaking on state television afterwards, a clearly shaken but unscathed Mr Ibrahim said the explosion targeted his own car.