£12m appeal for refugees from Syria

The charity says a growing number of families are in desperate need of assistance this winter. It is hoped the appeal could help up to 120,000 people who have fled violence in Syria and crossed the borders into neighbouring countries.

Oxfam’s Syria crisis response manager Francis Lacasse said: “Families have arrived exhausted and traumatised. Some have faced bombs and bullets to get here.

“Now, they are trying to get through one of the most brutal winters in the last two decades with almost nothing. Most families have to rely on the generosity of relatives and neighbours.

“Along with local organisations Oxfam is trying to help thousands of families through this difficult winter period; but we could do so much more if we had more funds.”

It is thought some 670,000 people have left Syria since the crisis began in March 2011 but numbers have risen recently.