A small home-made explosive device went off outside a Jewish synagogue in central Cairo on Sunday, the state-run MENA news agency reported.

Initial investigation showed the incendiary charge used was a home-made rudimentary contraption, according to MENA.

The explosive device was made of four containers of petrol attached to a one-litre bottle of sulphuric acid, a piece of cotton, a match and a cigarette lighter, the report said.

The attacker threw down the bag and the glass bottle broke, causing the materials inside to mix and get the fire alight.

There were no tourist groups visiting the Jewish temple at the time of the attack.

The residues of the bag and burnt clothes and other belongings of the attacker have been found and are being processed at the crime lab.

The Egyptian security forces have launched the manhunt process, the report said.