More than 200 people have been killed in a district of the Syrian city of Homs, a human rights group has claimed.
Abu Rami Alhomsy of the Syrian Revolutionary General Commission told Sky News the late night shelling lasted more than three hours.
"It was a normal day for a demonstration but last night they started shelling this neighbourhood," he said.
"We have many injuries. Many women and children have been killed and injured."
As explosions sounded in the background, Mr Alhomsy said: "I am hiding in the street with many people around me. They are shooting into here from an outside area.
"Oh my God."
It is not possible to verify activist reports as the Syrian government restricts access for independent media. State media blamed the attacks on armed gangs.
As news of the violence spread, activists used social media to orchestrate protests at Syrian diplomatic outposts around the world.
Embassies in Egypt and Germany were attacked, with at least 30 people storming the Berlin premises.
Sky's Simon Newton witnessed more than 150 protesters chanting outside the London embassy at 3am this morning.
Five arrests were made by police after paint was hurled and a window smashed at Belgrave Square.
Other overnight protests were arranged in the US, Middle East and Australia. Activists live streamed some of the events.
The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said at least 217 people were killed in the Khalidya district of Homs.
"This is the worst attack of the uprising, since the uprising began in March until now," Rami Abdul-Rahman, head of the London-based observatory, said.
"Syrian forces are shelling the district with mortars from several locations," he added.
Activists said hundreds of people were wounded in the attack, north of the capital Damascus.
Homs has become a flashpoint of the 10-month revolt against the regime of President Bashar al Assad.
The night assault comes ahead of a UN Security Council vote later today on a resolution condemning the violence in Syria.
It is still not clear whether the council will support an Arab League plan calling for President Assad to stand down.
Russian foreign minister Sergei Lavrov warned that the text of the resolution "does not suit us at all", and warned of a "scandal" if the draft were brought to a vote.
Britain's UN mission posted a Twitter message and said: "After the horror in Homs Friday (it is) vital all Council members back (the) resolution".
Russia has balked at any language that would open to door to "regime change" in Syria, its crucial Middle East ally where Moscow operates a naval base.
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