A Coptic bishop was shot at on Monday morning while on his way to visit a family grieving the loss of a loved one in recent attacks on Christians in Egypt.

Bishop Makarios, General Bishop of the Diocese of Minya in Egypt, and those with him were travelling to meet relatives of Karim Samir Lamaee in Garees village in Abu Qerqas, Minya.

They were unharmed in the attack by unknown assailants.

He told Bishop Angaelos, General Bishop of The Coptic Orthodox Church in the United Kingdom: "We are all safe, but it is unfortunate that this can happen during a time of healing. This is an indication that while steps are being taken towards reconciliation, there are those who still want to delay us."

Bishop Angaelos said he was "greatly concerned" by the level of criminal activity and lawlessness in the Minya region.

The Coptic Orthodox Church of Archangel Michael in the village where the attack took place has been closed for 10 years due to violent acts against it.

Bishop Angaelos said: "As the lives of those who seek to live peacefully and establish steps towards reconciliation are continuously threatened, we reiterate the need for a sufficient level of law and order be restored because every Egyptian deserves to receive equal protection under that law.

"We continue to pray for peace and healing in Egypt at this formative time."