Gunfire erupts as thousands protest across Syria

This file image taken from amateur video purports to show armoured vehicles and troops in Latakia, Syria. Anti-regime protests have taken place after Friday prayers in Latakia and several other cities of the country, reports say.

Activists say gunfire has erupted in a Damascus neighbourhood as thousands poured into the streets across Syria to call for an end to President Bashar Assad’s rule.

The London-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights and the Local Coordination Committees, a group that documents anti-regime protests, say demonstrations are taking place after Friday prayers in the central city of Homs, the southern province of Daraa, coastal city of Latakia and eastern city of Deir el-Zour.

The LCC says there has been shooting in Damascus’ Qadam neighbourhood. It’s unclear if there are casualties.

Syrian TV says four policemen were wounded by gunmen in the southern village of Inkhil.

Human rights groups and witnesses say Syrian troops have killed more than 1,800 civilians since mid-March.