The health of former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak has entered a “dangerous” phase, Egyptian security officials have said.

The officials at Torah prison, south of Cairo, said Mr Mubarak, 84, was suffering from shock and was experiencing breathing problems.

They said doctors had to aid his breathing with a respirator on five separate occasions.

Mr Mubarak was sentenced to life in prison on Saturday after he was convicted of failing to prevent the killing of protesters during the uprising that swept him out of office last year.

Specialists were called in to examine Mr Mubarak, and a transfer to a military hospital is being considered, said the prison officials.

Mr Mubarak and his two sons – one-time heir apparent Gamal and wealthy businessman Alaa –were acquitted of corruption charges, but the sons are also being held in Torah, awaiting a separate trial on charges of insider training.

The officials said prison authorities were allowing Gamal to be by his father’s side. Alaa also applied for permission, but it has not yet been granted, said the officials.