The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has expressed concerns that children in Egypt have been involved in violence that erupted following the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi.

In a press release on Tuesday, UNICEF’s Representative Philippe Duamelle said that the NGO is deeply concerned with "reports that children have been killed or injured during the violent confrontations in Egypt over recent days."

“Disturbing images of children taken during street protests indicate that, on some occasions, children have been deliberately used and put at risk as potential witnesses to or victims of violence,” Duamelle said.

He insisted that being exposed to these experiences "can have a long-lasting and devastating physical and psychological impact on children.” 

Duamelle urged “all Egyptians and political groups not to exploit children for political ends, and to protect them from any potential harm.”

Violent confrontations have been taking place across the country since Egypt's army ousted democratically elected President Mohamed Mursi in response to mass demonstrations.

Images of children carrying their coffins at pro-Mursi demonstrations have been circulating social media outlets in Egypt, raising concerns and eyebrows.