There has been no immediate claim of responsiblity.

The blast took place around 10:00 am local time.

St Mark’s Cathedral is the main headquarters of Coptic Christians in Egypt and home to the head of the church, Pope Tawadros II.

The religious community makes up around 10 percent of Egypt’s population.

In 2013, two people were killed outside the cathedral following a spike in violence against Coptic Christians.

On Friday, two roadside bombs – one in Cairo and one north of the capital – killed six policemen and wounded six others.

Egypt is currently fighting a branch of ISIL in Northern Sinai, where hundreds of soldiers and police have been killed. ISIL fighters have launched several deadly attacks in Cairo and other cities. (Euronews)