In pictures: Bloody Palm Sunday for Egypt's Coptic Christians

Security personnel investigate the scene of a bomb explosion inside Mar Girgis church in TantaEPA

The first blast hit St George's Coptic church in the northern city of Tanta. Witnesses said the explosion was next to the church's altar.

People gather in front of Mar Girgis church after a bomb explosion in TantaEPA

Relatives of the victims gathered in front of the church after the explosion.

Security personnel carries a palm leaf at the scene of a bomb explosion inside Mar Girgis church in TantaEPA

Copts, who make up about 10% of Egypt's population, have been frequently targeted in recent years.

People gather in front of Mar Girgis church after a bomb explosionEPA

They are one of the most ancient Christian communities, and have long felt vulnerable and marginalised.

Security personnel investigate the scene of a bomb explosion outside the Saint Mark's Coptic Cathedral in AlexandriaEPA

Hours later, a suicide bomber detonated his device outside Saint Mark's Coptic church in Alexandria, also in northern Egypt.

Security personnel investigate the scene of a bomb explosion outside the Saint Mark's Coptic Cathedral in AlexandriaEPA

The bomber was prevented from entering the church by police officers, authorities said.

A man holds a Coptic clergy clothes with blood stains on them at Mar Girgis church after a bomb explosionEPA

So-called Islamic State (IS) said it was behind the attacks, which happened just weeks before a planned visit to Egypt by Pope Francis.

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