Boris Johnson calls for halt to fighting in Aleppo

Boris Johnson has joined calls for a halt to the fighting in Aleppo to enable badly needed food and medical supplies to reach the beleaguered Syrian city.

The Foreign Secretary welcomed the support of Russia - President Bashar Assad's key ally in the conflict - for a 48-hour cessation as a "step forward".

In a statement he said that only once the fighting has stopped would it be possible to find a solution to the country's bloody civil war.

"The whole world is horrified by the suffering of the people of Aleppo - the bombing of innocent civilians, the murder of defenceless children," Mr Johnson said.

"The fighting must stop now. Russia indicating its support for a 48-hour cessation of hostilities is a step forward. Let's implement that plan immediately, so we can get essential help, food and medical supplies to the beleaguered people of Aleppo.

"It is only when the fighting and bombing stops that we can hope to deliver the political solution - a transition away from the Assad regime towards a new government committed to the interests of all Syrians."

His comments came as pictures of bloodied five-year-old Omran Daqneesh following a suspected Russian air strike on the city triggered renewed calls for a halt to the violence.