Via Christian Today:

Christian homes and property have been attacked by a Muslim mob in Egypt over rumours a house under construction was being turned into a church.

A large group of Muslims gathered around the house, owned by Coptic Christian Naim Aziz, in Qarayat al Bayda village near Alexandria after Friday prayers on June 17, chanting: “By no means shall there be a church here”.

“A great deal of fanatic Muslims gathered in front of the new house of my cousin, Naim Aziz, during its construction because of a rumour spread in the village that this building would be turned into a church,” Christian resident Mousa Zarif told International Christian Concern (ICC).

Aziz told Daily News Egypt that he was in fact building the house for his son to live in, not for a church.

It is claimed the mob attacked the home, destroying the construction materials and also attacked Naim and his brother, leaving both men injured.

Christian homes and properties in the surrounding area were also reportedly attacked and looted, including a church community centre.

“They also intercepted the car of Fr Karas Naser, the priest of the Holy Virgin and the Archangel Michael Coptic Church when he arrived at the village,” Zarif said.