Deadly clashes during anti-government protests in Syria

At least 23 protesters have been killed during anti-government rallies in the southern Syrian city of Deraa, witnesses have told the BBC.

There are also unconfirmed reports of deaths in Homs, Duma and Harasta, as protests swept the country.

However, state-run Syrian TV said that 19 members of the security forces had been killed "by armed groups" in Deraa.

Lina Sinjab reports from Damascus.