The public prosecution has ordered the detention of seven suspects for four days pending investigations into clashes that erupted on Sunday in Shubra al-Kheima, a district on Cairo's northern outskirts.
A local Coptic resident is alleged to have shot two Muslims in the incident. The victims died the next day in hospital.
Security sources said authorities restored control over the area following the shooting and cordoned off local churches.
The sources also said the conflict was criminal – not sectarian – in nature, adding that security forces continue to maintain a presence around the churches to prevent further clashes.
Sectarian disputes usually take place over church construction, religious conversions or interfaith romantic relationships. Land disputes have also caused clashes in the past.
Copts are believed to represent roughly 10 percent of Egypt’s 80-million-strong population.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
