AKIPRESS.COM - A blast near the Coptic cathedral in the Egyptian capital Cairo has killed at least 22 people, officials say.

Dozens of others were reportedly injured in the blast. The cause was not immediately clear, but several media outlets suggested it was a bomb.

The explosion hit St Peter's church next to St Mark's cathedral, within the same complex, BBC reports. 

Photos and video footage showed damage to the church, with shattered windows and broken roofing.

The explosion happened at around 10:00 (08:00 GMT). Interior minister Magdi Abdel-Ghaffar and Cairo's security chief both inspected the scene, according to local media.

Egypt's Coptic Christians make up about 10% of the country's population.

St Mark's Cathedral is the headquarters of the country's Orthodox church, and the home of its leader, Pope Tawadros II.