Syria army attacks Aleppo as tanks move in

yrian forces have launched ground and air attacks against rebels in parts of Aleppo, activists say.

The BBC’s Ian Pannell, in Aleppo, has seen skirmishes, with a number of rebel fighters wounded or killed. Rebels with the Free Syrian Army (FSA) say they have repelled an army incursion and destroyed tanks, but there is no independent verification.

Western nations have warned of a potential massacre in Aleppo, Syria’s most populous city. Early on Saturday morning, activists said Syrian tanks began moving in on south-western districts of the city.

They said the bombardment of rebel-held areas intensified in the early morning, with military aircraft overflying the city at low altitudes. Many casualties have been reported, our correspondent says, and a steady stream of vehicles carrying families is leaving Aleppo.