Syria: 'Mass detentions and beatings' in Hama

Syrian forces are reported to be continuing house to house raids in a region where army defectors attacked a checkpoint on Wednesday.

The operation in Hama took place as international pressure grew on Syria over its violent suppression of anti-government protests.

China, Turkey, Russia, and the EU's foreign policy chief have all expressed their concerns during the day. The Arab League has ordered President Assad to end the violence by Saturday or face economic sanctions.

Simon Collis, the UK Ambassador to Syria, said it was impossible to compare the systematic violence of President Assad's regime and the response of the protesters.