In an international press conference underway this afternoon in Cairo, the ruling military council denied the army intentionally used armoured vehicles to run over protesters outside the state TV headquarters in Maspero last Wednesday.

"The soldiers driving armoured vehicles were trying to avoid protesters who were throwing stones and Molotov cocktali bombs at them," said SCAF member, Major General Adel Emara.

"We can not confirm or deny the army vehicles crushed protesters because this incident is still under investigation," Emara said.

Emara added that the army's doctrine does not permit soldiers to use armoured vehicles to smash individuals whether friend or foe.

More updates from press conference on Ahram Online