Three Killed as Egypt Islamists, Police Clash ahead of Vote Results

At least three people were killed in clashes in Egypt Friday as police dispersed protesters loyal to ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi, security officials and the health ministry said.

Police clamped down on protests in several cities, firing tear gas at Islamists, who aimed fire works at the riot police in one incident, police officials said.

Two men were killed in Cairo and another in clashes in Fayoum, southwest of the capital, the health ministry said.

In Cairo's Alf Maskan area, demonstrators aimed fire works at police, who scattered for cover when they heard bursts of automatic gunfire from the protesters' side.

A policemen fired an assault rifle in the protesters' direction.

The protests come ahead of the announcement of official results for a constitutional referendum the military-installed government billed as an endorsement of Morsi's overthrow in July.

Initial tallies reported by state media suggest the constitution passed by more than 90 percent. Official results will be announced on Saturday.

More than 1,000 people, mostly Islamists, have been killed, and thousands more arrested in a police crackdown on Morsi's supporters since his ouster in July.