Muslims clash with police outside church

? Thousands of Muslims rioted outside a Coptic Christian church Friday to denounce a play deemed offensive to Islam, prompting police to beat protesters and fire tear gas into the crowd, officials said. One person died and more than 90 were injured.

Police said 53 protesters were arrested as people hurled stones, smashed windows and tried to storm St. George Church. Protesters also set a police car on fire and wrecked eight other cars, the Interior Ministry said in a statement.

A photographer for The Associated Press saw police fire rubber bullets into the crowd, causing injuries. Police claimed officers only fired rubber bullets into the air while trying to disperse the crowd.

The Interior Ministry described the protesters as “fanatic elements” who “escalated a negative reaction to a play.” The ministry said about 5,000 Muslims marched to the church after Friday noon prayers at mosques.