An elderly Coptic Christian woman was attacked by a wild mob last week, who stripped her naked and paraded her down the streets of Minya, south of Cairo.

Rioters also attacked Christian homes in Minya, raiding at least seven before burning them to the ground.

Local police say the incident was sparked by rumors of an affair between the elderly woman’s son and a Muslim woman.

Incensed by the rumors, rioters sacked the Christian woman’s home, dragging her out to the street before beating her, stripping her, and forcing her to walk the streets naked as members of the mob chanted “Allahu Akbar”, reported the Associated Press.

The mob continued to look for retribution for the alleged affair by attacking the homes of other local Coptic Christian families. Police have arrested six suspects, with at least a dozen other individuals wanted in connection with the incident.

Coptic leaders blasted radical Islamic leaders for creating the explosive atmosphere that has led to such violent outbursts.

Some Copts blamed the criminal justice system, noting how police failed to prepare for the inevitable backlash as rumors of the alleged affair spread.

“No one did anything and the police took no pre-emptive or security measures in anticipation of the attacks,” said Anba Makarios, a leading Coptic cleric.

“We are not living in a jungle or a tribal society. It’s incorrect for anyone to declare himself judge, police and ruler.”

“It is a disgrace for honest men to remain silent while accepting, seeing or hearing this.”