Security officials say hundreds of Muslim residents have thrown firebombs and rocks at police outside a church in the south of Egypt.

They accuse local Christians of providing a safe haven for a missing woman suspected of converting.

Six policemen and a dozen Christians were wounded in the clashes late Thursday in the town of Kom Ombo, near the Aswan High Dam.

Tensions rose after a 36-year-old Muslim woman disappeared five days ago. She was allegedly spotted outside the Mar Gergis church in Kom Ombo on Thursday.

Officials say within a few hours, hundreds of Muslims gathered outside the church and tried to storm it, believing she was hiding inside.

Police erected checkpoints around the church Friday in anticipation of more protests. Officials spoke anonymously in line with regulations.