Crisis over president's powers exposes Egypt divisions

CAIRO (REUTERS) - Youths clashed with police in Cairo on Saturday as protests at new powers assumed by President Mohamed Mursi stretched into a second day, confronting Egypt with a crisis that has exposed the split between newly empowered Islamists and their opponents.

A handful of hardcore activists hurling rocks battled riot police in the streets near Tahrir Square, where thousands massed on Friday to demonstrate against a decree that has rallied opposition ranks against Mr Mursi.

Following a day of violence in Cairo, Alexandria, Port Said and Suez, the smell of teargas hung over the square, the heart of the uprising that swept Hosni Mubarak from power in February last year.

More than 300 people were injured on Friday. Offices of the Muslim Brotherhood, which propelled Mr Mursi to power, were attacked in at least three cities.