Three Coptic and one Muslim were killed Saturday in clashes between two families in northeastern Egypt, state-run Ahram Online reported, without mentioning the reasons behind the brawl.

Some others from the two families were injured in the incident in the Qanater el-Khiriah district, Qalyubiya governorate, 40 km from the capital Cairo.

A nearby Anglican Church and a nursery annexed to it were set ablaze during the quarrel, said Soryal Yonan, an archpriest of Mar Girigis Church.

Yonan said the situation was tense and shots were heard outside the church which was closed to avoid any assaults.

The army and the police have been notified about the situation, the archpriest said.

Yonan also warned against sectarian sedition, as some Muslim preachers used the neighboring mosque's speakers to demand Muslims who have guns to get out of their houses and dozens from both sides are gathering outside the church.