The Coptic Orthodox Diocese of Central Giza, Egypt, announced that a fire at the Church of the Virgin Mary in the Baraq al-Khayam area had been brought under control, confirming that no deaths were reported and that the suspect responsible for the fire had been arrested.

In a statement, the diocese said the fire broke out at 6 am after a man entered the church under the pretext of praying, carrying a bottle of gasoline concealed inside a bag. The man then broke the door of a small chapel on the ground floor of the main church and set fire to the curtains, damaging the lecterns and burning the carpets.

The diocese added that security forces had arrived at the scene, while investigations with the suspect were ongoing to determine the circumstances and motives behind the incident.