Christian, Muslim villagers clash in Egypt

CAIRO – An Egyptian security official says Muslim and Christian villagers hurled fire bombs at each other south of Cairo after a Christian laundry worker burnt a Muslim's shirt.

The official says Muslim villagers set fire to Christians' homes on Friday, prompting authorities to deploy forces at the village of Dahshour in Giza province. One man was injured and several from both sides were detained. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to the press.

It is the first incidence of sectarian violence since the election of Egypt's first civilian President Mohammed Morsi, of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Coptic Christians, who make up nearly 10 percent of Egypt's 82 million people, fear the Islamists rise to power after last year's uprising may further curtail their rights.