3 arrested in attempted attack on police station

Three were arrested in Qalyubiya after security forces thwarted an attempted attack on the Shubra el-Kheima police station early Wednesday, reported the state news agency MENA.

The head of Qalyubiya security received news that families of “thugs and fugitives” arrested during the first day of Eid were gathering outside the station and were planning on attacking it, according to MENA.

On Tuesday, as security measures were tightened in preparation for Eid celebrations, security forces arrested two people who are facing several charges in previous cases.

One man faces charges of attempted murder as well as drug and weapons possession in four previous cases. He is also one of the prisoners who escaped Abu Zaabal prison during the January 25 uprising in 2011.

The second man arrested faces similar charges in six other cases where he was previously sentenced to three years in prison.

After the two men were detained, MENA reported, their families gathered in the area in protests of their arrest and clashes ensued with security forces as they attempted to storm the prison.

Also on Tuesday in Qalyubiya, 11 Brotherhood members were arrested on charges of incitement and calling for protests during Eid celebrations. They were in possession of Molotovs and weapons, MENA reported. Among the arrested was leading MB member Anwar Abu Zeid, who served in the now dissolved parliament.