Al Arish, Egypt: Egyptian security officials said suspected militants attacked a military bus carrying policemen in the restive Sinai Peninsula, killing the soldier driving it.

They say three police were wounded in the Sunday ambush in the town of Shaik Zuwaid on the road to Rafah on the border with Gaza.

The gunmen fled after clashing with troops while the wounded were transferred to hospital in critical condition.

Security officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to journalists.

Insurgent attacks in the Sinai have surged in the nine months since the military ousted Islamist President Mohammad Mursi.