An official says a Coptic Christian has been arrested on charges of molesting a neighbor child, adding to sectarian tensions in Egypt's south. The arrest came after Muslims set fire to the Copt's house.

The incident took place in Assiut province. Over the weekend, there were clashes between Christians and Muslims in another southern province. Christians charge they are targets of more frequent attacks since the Muslim Brotherhood took power in Egypt last year.

In the Assiut incident, Chief Investigator Lt. Col. Mohamed Essami said Monday that the 30-year-old Copt, Karam Attallah, was accused by Muslims of molesting his 9-year old neighbor, Mohammed Abdel-Al. Angry Muslims ransacked and set fire to Attalah's house and threatened other Christian residents. Security and military forces intervened to stop the violence.