The state department of US is suspending a large part of the $1.3bn (£810m) in aid it gives to Egypt's military.

It said that the delivery of large-scale military systems as well as cash assistance to the Egyptian government would be withheld.

A review was launched in August after a crackdown by the authorities on supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi left hundreds of people dead.

State department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said "We will continue to hold the delivery of certain large-scale military systems and cash assistance to the government pending credible progress toward an inclusive, democratically elected civilian government through free and fair elections,".

Officials said the freeze amounted to hundreds of millions of dollars in aid. The freeze was not intended to be permanent, the state department added.

The US is halting the delivery of Apache helicopters, as well as Harpoon missiles and tank parts, officials said.

Washington also plans to halt a $260m cash transfer and a $300m loan guarantee.

However, the US said it will continue to provide health and education assistance, and money to help Egypt to ensure security in the increasingly volatile Sinai Peninsula.