Prime Minister Sherif Ismail has ordered the cancellation of all official celebrations in solidarity with the families of the martyrs and the injured and expressed deep condolences to their families.

A statement released by the Cabinet's media office Sunday said the premier toured the scene of the blast which occurred during a Sunday Mass at the Botroseya Church which left scores of people killed and injured mostly women and children. He was accompanied by the ministers of interior, social solidarity, health, local administration and higher education.

The prime minister followed up efforts exerted to carry the bodies and the injured and lift the criminal evidence at the scene.

Around 35 ambulances rushed to the area accompanied by Egyptian Red Crescent volunteers to carry the injured to nearby hospitals where a state of high alert was announced.

The terrorist hands which failed to undermine the willpower of the Egyptians will never succeed to influence the national fabric of the people who are facing terrorism and resuming construction and development efforts, the premier said.

Source: MENA