ALEXANDRIA, Mar 9 (Aswat Masriya) - An improvised explosive device went off in the coastal Alexandria city's Semouha neighbourhood early Monday, leaving no injuries, a security official said.

Mohamed al-Sharqawy, Alexandria's security director, said the blast occurred near a mobile operator shop. It led to the destruction of parts of the shop, reported state television.

Security forces partially blocked neighbouring streets to comb the area, searching for other explosive devices, an eye witness said. 

Militancy in Egypt has seen a significant rise since July 2013, after the ouster of Islamist President Mohamed Mursi following mass protests against his rule.

While most attacks target security forces in North Sinai, operations have been carried out elsewhere including in Cairo. 

Also, as the date for an anticipated investment summit due later this week approaches, attacks targeting multinational shops and restaurants have been reported more frequently.

A deadly blast took place outside a major hypermarket branch in Alexandria on Sunday, killing one.