Egypt mosque attack death toll rises to 305, including 27 children

Among the dead were 27 children, the statement by Nabil Sadeq said, adding that at least 126 people were left injured from the attack on the Rawda mosque in North Sinai.

The attack was carried out by between 25 to 30 militants, the statement said. It is believed the militants arrived at the mosque in five all-terrain vehicles.

The militants positioned themselves on the mosque's main entrance and outside the 12 windows, before they opened fire on worshippers inside, Sadeq said.

The attackers also set fire to seven vehicles parked outside the mosque, thought to belong to worshipers, Sadeq added. Witnesses said the militants blocked escape routes on site using cars they set alight.

No one has yet claimed responsibility for the deadly attack in the Sinai Peninsula, where security forces are fighting Islamic State group militants.

The mosque is frequented the Sufi branch of Sunni Islam, which are considered heretics by IS militants.

The funerals of some of those killed are expected to be held on Saturday.