Migrant crisis: Crowds gather in Oxford to support refugees

The Oxford event began with a minute's silence in memory of Aylan Kurdi

Up to 1,000 people have gathered in the centre of Oxford to urge the government to take in more migrants from Syria.

Under the banner "Refugees Welcome", speakers at the rally in Catte Street called for a change in the UK's stance on the migrant crisis.

Organiser Mark Lynas said the city was "absolutely prepared to play our part".

City council leader Bob Price said Oxford would accept refugees but asked for suggestions on where they could be housed.

European countries are dealing with a surge of people fleeing conflicts in the Middle East and Africa, particularly from Syria and Afghanistan, and abuses in Eritrea.

Thousands - many of whom initially fled conflict in Syria - have made their way through Austria since Hungary removed restrictions on transit on Friday.

A petition calling for Britain to take more refugees has received more than 400,000 signatures.

The Oxford event began with a minute's silence in memory of Aylan Kurdi, the Syrian boy who drowned off Turkey and whose picture was published by media around the world.

Speakers called for the UK to take in more migrants from Syria

Leader of the Labour-controlled city council Mr Price told the gathering Oxford had a shortage of available houses for its own homeless people, so asked residents for suggestions of places where refugees could be accommodated.

Among the other speakers, novelist Mark Haddon told the told the crowd "everyone comes from migrants".

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time author said the UK government should take a lead from Germany which expects to take in 800,000 people this year.

The prime minister is due to give details of the government's plan to take in more refugees in a Commons statement on the issue on Monday.

Chancellor George Osborne earlier told the BBC Britain "needs to do even more" to help refugees and the £12bn international aid budget budget is to be used to help councils house refugees.

Mr Osborne said the UK would focus on refugees coming directly from Syria.