Three policemen have been killed in Egypt after bomber exploded himself in the heart of Cairo, close to the city's famed Al Azhar mosque.

Iran Press/Africa: Egyptian officers were chasing a militant through the capital's ancient Islamic quarter when the device was detonated, Independent reported.

At least three civilians were also wounded in the blast on Monday evening, where security forces were chasing the man as part of an investigation into an attempted attack against a police patrol in western Cairo on Friday.

Al-Hassan Abdullah identified bomber, in explosion near Al Azhar mosque

Bomber, identified as Al-Hassan Abdullah, exploded himself and killed three policemen who were after him.

"As security surrounded the man and was set to arrest and control him, an explosive device in his possession went off," the ministry said.

The area around Al Azhar mosque is home to crowded markets and is a popular tourist destination.

Area around Al Azhar mosque is a popular tourist destination.

Monday's explosion took place near Al Azhar mosque at the heart of ancient Islamic Cairo, damaging several shops.

There was also a clash on Saturday, February 16, where fifteen Egyptian military personnel were killed in North Sinai.

In a statement on Monday, Iran FM Spox Bahram Ghasemi strongly condemned Saturday terrorist attack on Egyptian military personnel in the northern Sinai region of el-Arish which resulted in 15 casualties.103/209

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Al-Hassan Abdullah identified bomber, in explosion near Al Azhar mosque
Area around Al Azhar mosque is a popular tourist destination.