Luxor police have upped security measures in the Upper Egyptian city following a court ruling sentencing to life in prison former president Mohamed Morsi.

Troops are on high alert, particularly in squares and around vital facilities and archaeological sites in the city.

Fixed and mobile checkpoints are everywhere in streets and squares in line with directives by Luxor police chief Major General Hossam el Manawy.

Police patrols have been intensified and sappers are regularly combing streets in search for any explosives.

Cars entering and exiting the city are being searched and IDs of those arriving to and leaving Luxor are also being checked.