Dozens die in Syrian clashes

Dozens of people were killed in a day of relentless violence in the Syrian city of Homs, activists said today.

Two activist groups said the death toll in Homs on Thursday was at least 35, but the reports could not be confirmed.

Witnesses on the ground said they were still gathering information but that the city was rocked by sectarian killings, gunfire and explosions for much of the day.

Many of the reported victims were inside a building in the Karm el-Zaytoun neighbourhood. Activists said at least 22 civilians were killed in the building, including children.

The Syrian uprising began last March with largely peaceful anti-government protests, but it has grown increasingly militarised in recent months,