Twitter and social media played a huge part in the Arab Spring as it unfolded in Eygpt in 2011 and as the country continues to struggle with political division new dramas are unfolding daily on Egypt’s streets. These dramatically came to life last night as The Semiramis InterContinental hotel in Cairo sent out a Twitter SOS via is @ICSEMIRAMIS handle as it came under attack by thugs.

Demonstrators had already burned police vehicles as they fought with police near Tahrir Square and then headed for the hotel.

We have seen some dramatic moments on Twitter before. Notably the Tweeting of the Navy Seal raid to kill Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad.

Have a read of the @ICSEMIRAMIS timeline below to see how the events of the night unfolded and how it was retweeted around the world.

We r under attack and several thugs have entered the Semiramis … We need help #jan25 #jan28 #Tahrir #EgyPolice

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

THUGS HAVE ENTERED THE IC SEMIRAMIS ON THE CORNICHE!

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! SEVERAL THUGS HAVE ENTERED THE SEMIRAMIS! SEND HELP #jan25 #jan28 #Tahrir #EgyPolice

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

EMERGENCY! WE ARE UNDER ATTACK! SEVERAL THUGS HAVE ENTERED THE SEMIRAMIS! SEND HELP #jan25 #jan28 #Tahrir #EgyPolice

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

.@wordydurke No help as of yet! Please spread the word! This is an #EMERGENCY!

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

.@liamstack Large group of Thugs have stormed lobby, barriers have been broken down.inside the lobby now. #Egypt #Tahrir #Jan28

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

SOS If anyone knows anyone in #Military #Police #Government, please send help! Thugs in Lobby #Emergency #Tahrir #Jan28 #Egypt

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

Special Forces just arrived, attempting to deal with situation. There are NO injuries reported, Large crowds outside. #Egypt #Tahrir #Jan28

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

Special forces just arrived @icsemiramis attempting to deal with situations. (Hotel attacked by thugs) #Egypt #Jan28

— Amy Mowafi (@AmyMowafi) January 29, 2013

Special forces are on scene and handling the situation. Thank you to everyone for your help and speedy response to our SOS!

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

To clarify we contacted all relevant authorise & later media to draw attention as the break in attempts increased & aid had not yet arrived.

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

The priority for IC is undoubtedly the lives & safety of our guests & colleagues.

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013

Thank you all revolutionaries that stood by us last night…You are awesome#jan2813

— InterContinental (@ICSEMIRAMIS) January 29, 2013