Fierce clashes broke out on Thursday in north Cairo between security forces and a group of hardcore supporters of Zamalek football club who were protesting against the recent arrest of their fellow fans, Al-Ahram's Arabic news website reported.

The clashes, which took place in the working class district of Road Al-Farag, occurred during a protest by the White Knights' fan group over the arrest of 11 group members last week.

The detainees were arrested on suspicion of involvement in a failed assassination attempt last week on Zamalek's chairman, Mortada Mansour.

The violence flared on Thursday after riot police arrested another eight members of the group, Al-Ahram added.

Online video footage of the clashes showed security forces using tear gas and birdshot pellets to disperse the crowd.

Cairo's security head Ali El-Demerdash told Al Ahram Arabic news website that police dealt with the protest using water cannons and tear gas, denying any use of birdshot.

Police said it arrested 16 demonstrators and two riot soldiers were injured.