Police officer killed while defusing bomb near church in Cairo

Last updated: January 6, 2019 5:58 pm

1 Min Read

A Coptic priest prays in a chapel of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on March 25. 2007. in the Old City of Jerusalem.The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the Church of the Resurrection (Anastasis) to Eastern Orthodox Christians, is a Christian church. It stands on a site that encompasses both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century, and it remains the holiest Christian site in the world. Photo by Olivier Fitoussi /Flash90 *** Local Caption *** נצרות כנסיה כנסיית כנסית הקבר הקדוש נוצרים צלב

A police officer was killed on Saturday night while attempting to defuse a bomb found near a church in Cairo, according to state owned media.

The attack comes less than two days before the celebration of Orthodox Christmas in Egypt.The police are currently investigating the incident and collecting evidence.

The bomb was one of two found inside a bag in a building near the church. Two police officers were also injured when it exploded, Reuters reported.

Since December, hundreds of Egyptian police personnel were deployed in order to secure churches nationwide.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility by any militant group.