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The coordinated attacks took place in the Egyptian region of Minya, south of Cairo, where church leaders are now pleading for support.

After keeping quiet for two weeks to help officials carry out investigations, Coptic Orthodox leaders have now spoken out and accused Egypt of treating Christian prayers “as a crime”.

They said they were forced to close four churches after furious locals launched vicious attacks on worshippers, emboldened by a lack of police support.

Terrified church leaders were forced to close one church for the safety of their congregations - something which then encouraged mobs to attack three others.

And authorities are doing nothing to bring those responsible to justice, the Coptic Orthodox leader in Minya said.