MUSLIMS in Oxford have condemned the 'evil attacks' on the Coptic Church in Egypt which killed 25 people.

Dr Hojjat Ramzy, director of Oxford Islamic information centre, gave his 'sincere condolences' on behalf of Muslim community of the city to the families affected.

Egyptians are holding prayers for the 24 Christians killed at a church next to main Coptic cathedral in Cairo.

The bomb went off during Sunday Mass at a chapel adjacent to St Mark's Cathedral in the capital. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Today, President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi identified the bomber as 22-year-old Mahmoud Shafiq Mohammed Mustafa.

He said three men and a woman had been arrested in connection with the attack.

The president spoke after Health Ministry officials revised down the number of victims to 24, suggesting that the 25th body belonged to the bomber.

Dr Ramzy told the Oxford Mail: "I believe this was an evil act of people who have no respect for sanctity of life.

"I truly believe that this has nothing to do with Islam as Islam truly condemns these acts and is a voice for peace not hatred.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to all friends who lost their lives."

The coffins of the 25 victims were laid in front of the altar today, with the names of each one displayed on the side facing the congregation.

Only victims' relatives were allowed to attend the service. Some screamed out in grief, while the rest sobbed or sat in sombre silence as a priest led the service.

The worst previous attack against Christians was a 2011 bombing in Alexandria that killed 21.