There are conflicting reports about the health of ousted Egyptian leader Hosni Mubarak with some media saying he is clinically dead while others said attempts were continuing to revive him.

Reports monitored on CNN and other news outlets said Mubarak is clinically dead while BBC reported that he is close to death according to Nile TV.

Al Jazeera, quoting Egypt's interior ministry officials and Mubarak's family members, reported that he slipped into a coma after he suffered a massive stroke but was revived and is on a respirator as at press time.

Reuters news agency quoting security sources said Mubarak was unconscious and on a respirator but is not clinically dead.

"He is completely unconscious. He is using artificial respiration," one military source told Reuters, after the state news agency reported he was clinically dead.

Mubarak was removed in last year's uprising, and jailed earlier this month for his role in the death of protesters before his removal.

There have been frequent reports since then that his health has deteriorated, many of which have proved wrong.

The spokesman, Alaa Mahmoud, said late yesterday that Mubarak, 84, was rushed from the hospital in Torah Prison to nearby Maadi Hospital in southern Cairo, the same the military facility where Mubarak's predecessor Anwar Sadat was declared dead after being assassinated in 1981.

Officials have since repeatedly reported his health is deteriorating. His sons were moved into the same prison with him at his request.

Since his arrival at the prison directly after his sentencing, Mubarak has been suffering from high blood pressure and breathing difficulties and deep depression, according to prison officials.

His lawyer said he did not trust the doctors and appealed for his transfer to a better equipped hospital.

The news comes as tens of thousands of people protest in Cairo's Tahrir Square against a move by the ruling military council to assume new powers.

The BBC's Lyse Doucet, who is in the square, says the crowds are following the news reports closely.

The rally was called by the Muslim Brotherhood, which is also claiming victory for its candidate Mohammed Mursi in last weekend's presidential elections.

His rival Ahmed Shafiq, a former prime minister under Mr Mubarak, has also said he has won.

Results are expected to be announced on tomorrow.

As Egyptians voted, the generals dissolved parliament and claimed all legislative power for themselves.

Activists have described the moves as a "military coup".