'We have received six bodies with burn injuries - four women, a man and a child,' Abdul Hamid, an official of the health ministry, said.

Zardari has directed the minority affairs minister to remain in Gojra until the situation becomes normal and to take steps for the security of people.

Punjab Law Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack and said an inquiry has been ordered.

He said a preliminary investigation showed there was no desecration of the Holy Quran. 'It was just a rumour which was exploited by anti-state elements to create chaos.'

'I request both the Muslim and the Christian communities to show restraint,' he said.

The government will take strict action against the rioters and police who failed to stop the violence, Sanaullah added.

Meanwhile, the families of the victims staged a protest against the killings by laying the bodies of their loved ones on the railway tracks.

The families demanded immediate arrests of those responsible for the violence.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has announced a compensation of Rs.500,000 for the families of the each of those killed in the violence.