At least 27 injured as Egyptian opposition protesters attacked with Molotov cocktails, birdshot (VIDEO)

At least 27 people have been injured in Egypt’s capital after attackers fired birdshot and threw Molotov cocktails at people taking part in a sit-in, protesting the country’s new Islamist-backed constitution which has deeply divided the nation.

In the latest case of Egyptian demonstrators being targeted, about a dozen masked assailants attacked the protesters’ camp outside the presidential palace on Saturday. The sit-in was started by the opponents of Islamist President Mohammed Morsi on December 4, amid a fierce debate over the new constitution.

The total number of wounded in the attack stands at 27, including seven members of the security forces, Itar-Tass reports citing Interioir Ministry.

Witnesses say the attackers threw Molotov cocktails at the camp, setting some tents on fire.

Egypt’s new constitution has proven extremely divisive, sparking violence across the country. It was passed with a 64 per cent “yes” vote in a referendum last month and was signed into law by President Morsi on December 26.

At least 10 people died in clashes outside the presidential palace on December 5, which broke-out after Morsi supporters attacked the protesters’ sit-in.