A bomb exploded Sunday in the vicinity of St. George church in the city of Tanta, Gharbia governorate, leaving 10 people dead and 25 others wounded.

Civil defense units and bomb experts rushed to the crime scene, as security forces set up a security cordon, in order to secure the surrounding area and search for potential evidence that would help the authorities identify the perpetrators of the crime.

 Head of Gharbia ambulance service Magdy Awad confirmed in a statement to reporters, the explosion which was caused by a bomb in the vicinity of St. George church.

 However, the Ministry of Interior did not make any official statement concerning the incident.

The explosion occurred during Palm Sunday celebrations holiday, which the government gives as a holiday for Copts, as most of them go to churches to pray. 

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi is in constant communication with interior and health ministries’ officials to follow the latest developments on the bomb explosion which occurred Sunday in the vicinity of St. George Church in the city of Tanta, Gharbia governorate, according to sources close to the president.

Prime Minister Sherif Ismail telephoned Interior Minister Magdy Mohamed Abdel Ghaffar and Gharbia governor, in order to follow up the terrorist bombing, which left 21 people dead and 42 others wounded.

Beheira governorate declared a state of emergency, in conjunction with the bomb explosion in the vicinity of St. George church.

Security forces have stepped up their presence near vital institutions and security patrol vehicles have been deployed, in order to prevent any potential threat, including any acts of terrorism and sabotage.

The explosion occurred during Palm Sunday celebrations holiday, which the government gives as a holiday for Copts, as most of them go to churches to pray.