Around 40,000 Syrians displaced near Hama

The United Nations says fighting near the city of Hama in Syria has displaced about 40,000 people.

About 40,000 people, mainly women and children, have been displaced by fighting northwest of Hama city in Syria, the United Nations says.

Since a rebel offensive began in the area a week ago, people have fled south and west to Hama city and to other towns nearby and in neighbouring districts including Homs, Latakia and Tartous, the United Nations says.