Security forces in Minya arrested 31 people who were involved in acts of violence and sabotage targeting churches, shops and public facilities last Wednesday.

Most of those arrested belong to the Muslim Brotherhood and the hardline Islamist group al-Gamaa al-Islamiya, security sources said.

On Wednesday night and Thursday morning, Minya witnessed violent clashes after supporters of former President Mohamed Mursi attacked police stations, churches, state buildings, shops, cars, Minya's Public Prison and a Mallawi museum.

Criminal investigation units arrested the perpetrators, who were in possession of petrol jerry cans, bladed weapons, a shotgun and an automatic rifle.

Stolen items from various churches, shops and pharmacies were also found in the perpetrators' possession.