Speculation is growing as to whether President Hosni Mubarak will be able to hold on to power in Egypt.

It has been rumoured that the Egyptian leader’s family, including his wife and son, had fled for London, although CBS News reported that an embassy official had denied this.

Violent demonstrations broke out in Cairo and other places across the country yesterday. Security forces used tear gas and water cannons to try and break up the crowds.

In the past two days many Egyptians have turned to social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter to arrange for tens of thousands of people to gather and shout slogans including "Down, down, Hosni Mubarak.”

The death toll in the conflict is already thought to have reached three, while more than 850 arrests have been made.

The uprising in Egypt follows similar protest in Tunisia, where the long-time leader was forced into exile mass protest earlier this month.

Mr Mubarak has ruled Egypt for nearly 30 years. His leadership has seen a crackdown on Islamic extremism, but has been criticised for internal corruption and repressing the opposition. Many believe he is planning to install his son Gamal as his successor.