EGYPTIANS living in Southampton revealed their hopes and fears for the future of their country as the army seized power last night.

They spoke as celebrations erupted across the north African country after military leaders told President Mohammed Morsi he was no longer in charge.

The army pledged to install a new interim leadership, suspend the Islamist-backed constitution and dissolve the Islamist-dominated parliament.

Earlier there had been fears of more violence on the streets of the capital Cairo after troops were deployed across the city where 39 people had died in protests since Sunday.

However what had been mass demonstrations against Mr Morsi and his Muslim Brotherhood organisation turned into a huge street party.

Speaking yesterday afternoon Ahmed Abdelmotelb, who works as a researcher for the University of Southampton, said he feared for the safety of protesters.

Ahmed, who now lives in Phillimore Road, said: “I’m worried because, although my friends and family are safe, the people on the streets will pay the price. The biggest problem is that there is no communication. When the president says something, the media distorts it and as a result people are getting very angry.

“There needs to be someone who can come in and bring everyone to the table, so that the people can hear what the president has to say.”

Fellow Egyptian Shadaan Hamman, 21, who recently graduated from Southampton Solent University, was more optimistic.

She said: “We did it before and we can do it again. We’re a strong country who can get what we want. I was last in Egypt around a year ago but I have lots of friends and family who are there now.

“They tell me that it is not as chaotic as the last revolution because it is far more organised and right now it is peaceful.

“We need a leader who has more of a business mind, rather than a religious one, because I want an Egypt where people from all walks of life and religious views are welcomed.

“We have some great resources and land, yet people are leaving because we are overpopulated.”

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office is recommending against all but essential travel to most parts of Egypt, following widespread protests against Mr Morsi.

Prime Minister David Cameron assured MPs in the Commons that action was being taken to safeguard UK nationals in Egypt and the British Embassy in Cairo.