Protests have erupted in Syria after masked gunmen set a Christmas tree ablaze near the city of Hama.

An online video has depicted gunmen, wearing masks, setting fire to the tree in the central square of the Sugaylabiyah, which is a mostly Christian town.

The main Islamist faction which ousted former President Bashar al-Assad claimed that the arsonists were foreign fighters and had been detained.

As a result, thousands of protesters took to streets across the nation, calling for the new rulers to better protect religious minorities.

Thousands of protesters took to streets across the nation, calling for the new rulers to better protect religious minorities

In pictures of a neighbourhood in Damascus, some can be seen carrying a cross, as well as Syrian flags, while shouting: "We will sacrifice our souls for our cross."