Muslim gang armed with GAS CANNISTERS destroy village over rumours church was built
Muslim gang armed with GAS CANNISTERS destroy village over rumours church was being built
Vigilantes attacked Coptic Christians and went on the rampage after hearing a new place of worship was being set up in a house in Egypt.The horror continued when eight Christians were arrested after the brutal attack in Saft el-Khirsa, near the capital Cairo.
Christians have long struggled to legally build churches in Egypt, which has been struggling in recent years against Islamist extremism.
A new church can only be built by official presidential decree - and they are only issued once a year.
The baying mob shouted "we don't want a church" and "No god but Allah, Christians the enemies of Allah", according to eyewitnesses who spoke to World Watch Monitor.
Homes and shops belonging to some of the village's 70 Christian families were destroyed in the attack as the crowd armed with gas canisters and air guns went on the rampage.
The village, which has a population of 12,000, already boasts 10 mosques.
Mahrous Ishak, a local Copt, told World Watch Monitor: "We received threats of an attack the next day.
"We told the police and national security, but they showed no interest saying 'If an attack happens, call us then and we'll come quickly'."
One source, who wished to remain anonymous, said: "During the Muslim prayers the loudspeakers suddenly fell eerily silent. Later, crowds filed out of mosques. One cleric was clearly seen directing groups of people in different ways towards Christian homes.
"Some were carrying gas canisters and rocks, while others had birdshot guns. They attacked the homes of Christians. Contents were vandalised, children were crying in panic amid the onslaught by hundreds of attackers."