Riots after Israelis 'attack' church in Nazareth

Unrest after Israel church attack
Three Israelis reportedly set off firecrackers in the Church of the Annunciation in Nazareth during a service late on Friday.

The incident caused panic among worshippers and sparked angry protests outside the church, where hundreds of people congregated.

Large numbers of police were present at the church, where the two attackers were said to be hiding from the crowds.

The church is one of Christianity's most important sites.

The three, two women and a man, entered the church pushing a pram filled with fireworks and small gas canisters and began throwing them, reports said.

This sparked panic among worshippers, some of whom were said to have attacked the group.

Hundreds of people then gathered outside the church to protest against the incident, preventing the three from leaving.

Rioting broke out in which police used tear gas and some people were injured, the Associated Press news agency reported.