The blast hit worshippers as they left a new year's service at the al-Qidiseen church shortly after midnight. Sectarian tensions have recently been on the rise in Egypt.
After the explosion, angry Coptic Christians clashed with police and local Muslims, reportedly throwing stones and targeting a nearby mosque. Protesters went into the mosque, throwing books out onto the street, the Associated Press news agency reported. The mosque had also been damaged by the car bomb. A large contingent of police rushed to the scene and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The situation is reported to be under control now, but BBC reporter Assad Sawey says it is still very tense.
After the explosion, angry Coptic Christians clashed with police and local Muslims, reportedly throwing stones and targeting a nearby mosque. Protesters went into the mosque, throwing books out onto the street, the Associated Press news agency reported. The mosque had also been damaged by the car bomb. A large contingent of police rushed to the scene and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. The situation is reported to be under control now, but BBC reporter Assad Sawey says it is still very tense.
