DAR ES SALAAM, Oct. 18 (Xinhuanet) -- Arsonists have allegedly torched a Roman Catholic church on the Indian Ocean island of Zanzibar, local newspaper Daily News reported on Monday.

    A Zanzibar police officer confirmed the incident, saying that the incident occurred late on Saturday and the fire had reduced the church to ashes, destroying everything in it.

    Father Vincent Shio of the burnt church said that before the fire unknown people were seen walking near the church compound with their faces hidden in masks and that fire broke out moments later, according to the report.

    Local police have promised to carry out an investigation about the incident. Enditem