Fence to protect Red Sea resort

Hotels were destroyed in the Sharm al-Sheikh blasts

Egypt has started to build a security fence around the Red Sea resort of Sharm al-Sheikh to try to stop attacks on the town, security officials say.

The officials said the fence would stretch for 20km (12 miles) and force vehicles wanting to enter the town to pass through one of four checkpoints.

More than 60 people were killed in July when suicide bombers launched attacks outside two hotels and a market.

Forces have arrested or killed several people suspected of involvement.

Several groups have said they carried out the attacks, with at least one citing links to the al-Qaeda network.

Concern over access

Authorities have finished 2km (1.2 miles) of the 1.5m-high fence on the northern side of the resort and a smaller section on the southern side, Reuters news agency quoted an official as saying.

A town resident told Reuters that one portion would cut off a nearby Bedouin settlement where many workers live.

A security official cited by AFP news agency said the fence was "not meant to stop any particular group of people but prevent terrorist attacks".