Supporters of President Mohamed Morsi are preparing for a bloody confrontation with the military today as both sides vowed to fight to the last man over the leadership crisis that has seen Egypt descend into violence.

As 16 of Mr Morsi’s supporters were shot in violent protests near Cairo University, the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF) swore that it was ready to die to defend Egypt’s people against “terrorists” and “fools”.

In a statement on its Facebook page headlined “The Final Hours,” the SCAF said: “We swear to God that we will sacrifice even our blood for Egypt and its people, to defend them against any terrorist, radical or fool.”

It was placed hours after Mr Morsi made a defiant address to the