Fireworks thrown into Nazareth church

Two people disguised as Christian pilgrims threw firecrackers into a revered church in Nazareth, sparking a riot in the biblical Israeli town, police said.

Officials said police were dispatching hundreds of forces to the area.

Police officials said the couple entered the Basilica of the Annunciation and began throwing fireworks. Hundreds of residents of the Arab-Israeli town quickly took to the streets to protest.

Israeli rescue workers said two people were injured in the rioting, and others were suffering from tear gas inhalation. No further details were immediately available.

The church is at the site where Christians believe the Angel Gabriel appeared before the Virgin Mary and foretold the birth of Jesus.