* Somali pirates free Egyptian ship

* Crew expected to return to Egypt soon

CAIRO, March 5 (Reuters) - Somali pirates have freed an Egyptian ship that had held for more than two months, state-run newspapers reported on Thursday.

Pirates seized the Blue Star on Jan. 1 while it was sailing east with a cargo of 6,000 tonnes of the fertiliser urea.

The newspapers quoted a security official as saying the 28-member crew were expected to return to Egypt soon.

Somali pirates, typically in small groups aboard speedboats, have successfully demanded millions of dollars in ransom from ship owners after seizing cargo vessels. The surge in piracy has caused international alarm and warships from several countries have rushed to try to curb the hijacks.

Newly elected President Sheikh Sharif Ahmed, a moderate Islamist, and his new government aim to bring peace to the chaotic Horn of Africa nation.

It has had no effective government since warlords ousted dictator Mohamed Siad Barre in 1991 then turned on each other. (Writing by Alaa Shahine; Editing by Giles Elgood)

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