Arab Spring Rioter
Arab Spring RioterReuters

Protesters on Wednesday burnt down the Egypt's military intelligence headquarters in the city of Salloum near border with Libya.

The arson occured after clashes between security forces and protesters escalated into riots that have left two dead.

Protests began late on Tuesday when local residents took to the streets to demonstrate against an increase in tolls for trucks travelling on the road.

Al-Ahram reported that the army intervened to open the road, which led to the clashes that killed Anwar Abdel Maksoud, 14, and Abdel Moula Mahmoud Beshry, 23.

The victims’ families refused to bury the bodies before the Defence Minister and fact-finding committee members came to investigate, Al-Ahram added.

The daily reported that protesters today burnt down the military intelligence headquarters in revenge for Tuesday night's deaths.

Ahram also added that a number of lawmakers went to Salloum to negotiate with the residents and resolve the dispute.

The Associated Press, however, reported that local witnesses said some of those who torched the intelligence ministry headquarters were upset over Mubarak-era intelligence chief Omar Sulleiman's decision to run for the presidency.

The liberal Al-Wafd newspaper reported on its website today that Salloum residents were calling for civil disobedience.

All stores were closed and border traffic at the Salloum crossing was halted.

According to the newspaper, citizens rejected what they called inhumane treatment at the hands of the army and the firing of live ammunition on protesters.

A prosecution team went Salloum today to examine the dead bodies and begin an investigation, Al-Wafd reported.