Clashes between Christians and Muslims in a town near Cairo have left five killed and eight injured, reports Reuters.
Violence reportedly broke out when Christian children were found drawing on the walls of a Muslim institute. As well as shooting and fighting several residential and commercial buildings were burned including a child-care centre.
The president's office in a statement said:
"The presidency ... totally rejects any attempt against the unity and cohesiveness of Egyptian society and will decisively confront any attempt to spark sectarian strife among Egyptian people, Muslim and Christian."