Security sources in Egypt say 59 Muslims have been arrested following clashes between Muslims and Christians in a village south of Cairo.

The violence erupted Friday in the village of Bamha. Sources say residents fought with sticks and stones and tossed firebombs.

Homes and shops were set on fire. The unrest was sparked by Muslim anger over the construction of a church next to a mosque.

Coptic Christians make up a small minority in the mainly-Muslim country.

Relations between the two religious groups in Egypt are generally peaceful, although there have been clashes and deadly attacks in the past. Christians often complain of discrimination by the Muslim majority.