The Syrian city of Homs came under heavy shelling on Thursday, according to anti-regime activists.

Pictures broadcast live by activists via Bambuser purported to show the neighbourhood of Jouret al-Shayah taking a pummelling.

Loud explosions - as well as heavy gunfire - could be heard on the broadcast and there was a series of large explosions on the skyline as shells appeared to strike buildings.

Thursday's violence came a day after a team of United Nations observers reportedly attempted to visit the Homs area.