Christians hold mass in open after Pak churches torched

The crowd, including women wearing black armbands to protest Saturday's attacks, also demanded protection for the minority community in the small town of Sangla Hill.

"They held their Sunday mass and dispersed peacefully," police officer Mohammad Asghar told AFP. A police contingent cordoned off the area near a gutted church in Sangla Hill, 80 kilometres (50 miles) west of Lahore, capital of Punjab province.

The crowd dispersed after Catholic Archbishop Lawrence Saldanaha advised them not to retaliate.

"The situation is under complete control now," home secretary of the Punjab provincial government, Khusro Pervez, told AFP.

"Police have arrested around 90 people for rioting and violence and vandalising Christian property," he said.

Yousaf Masih, a Christian accused of desecrating the Muslim holy book, has been detained, he added.

Witnesses said at least two churches were destroyed in the attack by more than 1,000 enraged Muslims. The mob then ransacked a Christian school, set its furniture on fire and attacked a hostel where a pastor lives.

Residents said the attack was prompted by allegations from Muslims that Yousaf Masih had burnt copies of the Koran. Christian leaders said Masih's rivals had made a false accusation after losing money to him at gambling.