Egypt Exclusive: "Up to 50" Killed in Bombing of Alexandria Church

UPDATE 1950 GMT: Protests and clashes with police are continuing in the Shubra neighbourhood of Cairo.

UPDATE 1940 GMT: President Mubarak sent Mufeed Shehab, the head of the Alexandria Council, and the Minister of Development to the funerals, and a couple of other ministers reportedly were present.

Bishop Youanis, the secretary of the Copt leader Pope Shenouda III, said, "We thank the President." The audience responded with shouts of "No, no, no", and waved their hands. They also reportedly shouted, "We want our rights", and sang, "Kyrie, Eleison" ("Lord Have Mercy").

UPDATE 1855 GMT: A source reports that doctors at St Mark's Hospital are "livid" over the official accounts minimising the casualties. They say there are definitely, and one doctor says there are more to be processed.

There are reports of graffiti on church walls saying "Watch out" and "You're Next".

Ten Christians have reportedly been detained for questioning.

UPDATE 1825 GMT: Footage from tonight's demonstrations is being posted. (See separate entry for EA video and pictures.)

UPDATE 1820 GMT: Funerals of 17 people killed in today's attack are now being shown on Coptic TV. The remainder of the 50 victims have yet to be identified.
 
As the coffins are brought forward, Coptic hymns are being sung, people are clapping and shouting "bil roh bil dem nifdeek ya saleeb" --- "With our soul, and blood, we give ourselves to the Cross." The church is packed, with several bishops attending, and the atmosphere, according to a source, is "electric".
 
The only channels broadcasting the funerals are CTV and El Sheffa. All other Middle Eastern channels have not able to enter. 

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An EA correspondent sends latest news, from sources on the scene in Alexandria, of this morning's bombing outside the Al-Qiddissine (The Saints) church.

Up to 50 people have died, far more than the official accounts of 21, with more than 70 injured. Ambulances did not reach the scene for three hours. 

EARLIER UPDATES: 21 Killed in Car Bomb Attack on Christian Church

The assailant/assailants approached the back door of the church, and witnesses claim that --- contrary to normal practice --- there was no security. [The Ministry of Interior says the bombing occurred in front of the church.] In addition, there are claims that the no-parking  restriction outside the church was broke, with at least three cars double-parked.

There is further anger over claims that donations of blood are not reaching the injured. Coptic TV is telling viewers to send blood directly to "servants of the church".

Coptic TV has shown video from inside the church when the bombing occurred. The altar curtain shakes as people scream. A priest tells the congregation, "Don't be scared." 

Funerals were held later this afternoon and broadcast on Coptic TV. The bodies arrived at St. Mina's monastery in Marriot on the outskirts of Alexandria.