Egyptian security officials had said Islamic insurgents murdered nothing less than 10 policemen, following the assault at a checkpoint in the restive northern part of the Sinai Peninsula, Egypt.

The assault took place as Muslims in the city of Al-Arish were holding prayers marking the holiday of Eid Al-Fitr, which follows the month of Ramadan, on Wednesday morning, officials said.

They said two officers and eight conscripts were murdered. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the assault.

The officials added that the insurgents assaulted the checkpoint, seized an armoured vehicle to make their getaway but a warplane trailed them in the desert, murdering at least five.

The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to talk to reporters.

Egypt has for years battled a Daesh affiliate based in northern Sinai.