The bodies, wrapped in white shrouds, were carried in open coffins along the city's main avenue during which a brief burst of gunfire set off chaotic scenes.
At least 270 people were injured in the canal city of Port Said after unidentified assailants opened fire on the funeral procession for protesters killed during clashes in the city yesterday, Egypt Independent reported.
Live ammunition, birdshot and tear gas were responsible for most of the injuries. Eyewitnesses claim to have seen masked groups shooting security troops in Police Club Square during the funeral procession.
While no accurate information was provided on who was behind the shooting, military sources said that protesters who broke into police stations yesterday may have stolen weapons and tear gas to use during the funeral.
Condemning the clashes that also left over 300 people injured yesterday, the Presidency called for a national dialogue in the wake of the ongoing unrest.
In a statement, it also praised police and judiciary for their integrity.
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The Presidency's statement came as the Health Ministry said the death toll in the fierce clashes between protesters and security forces in Port Said had climbed to 36, with an 18-year-old boy dying of gunshots to the chest.
Chaos broke out soon after a court yesterday handed down the death penalty to 21 fans of Port Said club Al-Masry over the killing of 74 people in post-match violence last February following a game with Cairo side Al-Ahly.
The violence yesterday came at a time when unrest was sweeping Egypt on the second anniversary of the uprising that ousted Hosni Mubarak.
Clashes marking the revolution's second anniversary on Friday left at least nine people dead and 530 injured. MORE