At least one Christian has been killed and more than 4,000 Christians have reportedly been displaced in and around Asendabo, around 186 miles from capital Addis Ababa.

The attacks occurred after a Christian was accused of desecrating a copy of the Koran by tearing it up.

A source in Addis Ababa told Compass that church ministers had been injured in the violence.

“The atrocity is still going on and more people are suffering,” the source said.

One pastor in Addis Ababa reported the inability of the police to stop the violence.

“The church requested more police protection,” he said. “The authorities sent security forces, but they were overwhelmed by the attackers.”

Another source told the agency: “Police at the site are not taking any action – they just watch what is happening.”

At least 59 churches and church buildings were set on fire by the mob, with damage estimated to run into millions of dollars.