Egyptian authorities have caught more than 3,000 inmates who broke out from jails amid nationwide anti-government protests, state television said on Sunday.
Earlier reports said thousands of prisoners escaped from several Egyptian jails following days of protests. The runaway inmates are suspected of looting and armed robbery, raising concerns for social security.
Anti-government protests started in Egypt on January 25, with crowds of tens of thousands demanding President Hosni Mubarak step down after three decades in power.
At least 150 people have been killed and about 4,000 injured, Al-Jazeera TV channel said.
The looting, which is ongoing despite the curfew, forced Egyptians to form vigilante groups armed with sticks to protect their homes, shops and even hospitals.
Police, that used to guard the important buildings, have disappeared from the streets leaving banks and shopping malls abandoned. Law enforcement sources said however police will return to streets on Monday.
Earlier on Sunday, fighter planes flew low over Cairo in an apparent attempt to show military's control of a city overrun by looting and anti-government demonstrations.
CAIRO, January 30 (RIA Novosti)
