AN OXFORD religious group held a candlelit vigil to call for peace in Syria.

Hundreds of people have been killed and thousands left homeless in the Government crackdown on protests.

The Oxford Islamic Information Centre organised the event at Carfax on Saturday. Organiser Dr Ramzy Hojjat said more than 70 people turned out and donated more than £300 for the charity Muslim Aid.

He said: “We are just trying to say we are supporting the people in Syria.

“The candle is a symbol of peace, solidarity, and friendship, and it says we care.”

Syrian author Bassam Saeh, pictured, several of whose books are banned by the regime, said it was important to show the people in Syria they were in people’s thoughts.

Picture: OX 50407 Ric Mellis