Constitution Party leader Mohamed ElBaradei has called for an independent investigation into clashes at the Republican Guard headquarters that left at least 42 dead on Monday morning.

“Violence begets violence and should be strongly condemned,” ElBaradei said via Twitter. “Independent investigation a must. Peaceful transition is only way.”

Clashes erupted between pro-Morsi protesters and the army at dawn on Monday. The protesters had been holding a sit-in outside the Republican Guard headquarters for several days to demand the return of Mohamed Morsi to the presidency.

The health ministry said 42 died and 322 were injured in the violence.

The Muslim Brotherhood said the army used live ammunition against peaceful protesters. 

However, in its official statement, the army said an "armed terrorist group" attempted to break into the Republican Guard headquarters in the early hours of Monday and "attacked security forces."

One officer died and 40 soldiers were injured, including seven in a critical condition, the statement said.