Authorities in the northern Nigerian city of Jos have imposed a dusk to dawn curfew after sectarian clashes that left at least 10 people dead.

The violence broke out on Sunday morning between rival Christian and Muslim gangs, setting fire to mosques, churches and other buildings.

In November 2008 a wave of sectarian clashes in Jos left hundreds of people dead following a disputed election.

Sunday's clashes reportedly erupted after Christian youths protested against the building of a mosque in the Christian-dominated Nassarawa Gwom district of the city.

Doctors said several people had been brought to city hospitals with gun shot wounds or deep cuts from machetes.

Witnesses reported large clouds of smoke coming from burning buildings and vehicles in Nassarawa Gwom.

Mohammed Lerema, a state police spokesman, said the situation had been brought under control by late on Sunday.

"We have arrested 35 suspects, including five in military uniforms," he said.