A British cameraman is among at least 100 killed as an
operation to clear two camps filled with thousands of protestors loyal to
ousted Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi descended into violent chaos.
Mick Deane was part of a Sky News team in Egypt reporting on
a security force operation to raid the camps in the capital Cairo when violence
broke out.
Security forces are said to have opened fire on mostly
unarmed protestors in the operation which began shortly after 7am local time.
Although the total number of dead in the clashes is
unconfirmed, burned corpses have been seen on the streets which resemble a war
zone.
Mr Deane, 61, had worked for Sky for 15 years based in
Jerusalem and then Washington.
Sky head of news John Ryley described his as an 'inspiring
mentor to many' and a brilliant journalist. The rest of the Sky team were
unharmed.
He said: 'Everyone at Sky News is shocked and saddened by
Mick's death.
'He was a talented and experienced journalist who had worked
with Sky News for many years.
'The loss of a much-loved colleague will be deeply felt
across Sky News. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family. We will
give them our full support at this extremely difficult time.'
The network's foreign affairs editor Tim Marshall called Mick
'a friend, brave as a lion but what a heart… what a human being'.
He added: 'Micky was humorous in a dry way, he was wise and
when you're on the road with small teams, people like that are diamonds to be
with.
'Our hearts go out to his family. He died doing what he'd
done so brilliantly for decades.'
Father-of-two Mr Deane had been working with Middle East
correspondent Sam Kiley when he was shot.
He received treatment for his injuries but died soon
afterwards, said a Sky News statement.
Prime Minister David Cameron said on Twitter: 'I am saddened
to hear of the death of cameraman Mick Deane, covering Egyptian violence.
'My thoughts are with his family and @SkyNews team.'
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