The United Nations have said that over 200,000 people have fled the city of Aleppo, where intense clashes are reported to be continuing.

Valerie Amos, U.N. official for humanitarian affairs, have said in a statement to be "extremely concerned by the impact of shelling and use of tanks and other heavy weapons on people in Aleppo. Many people - she added - have sought temporary shelter in schools and other public buildings in safer areas. They urgently need food, mattresses and blankets, hygiene supplies and drinking water."

Amos said U.N. agencies and the Syrian Red Crescent are working together on supplying those affected by the fighting all over the country with blankets and humanitarian supplies, but many remain out of their reach because of the combat.

Aleppo is Syria’s largest city and commercial hub with about 3 million people living there.