Syrian rebels say they have begun entering the capital Damascus and  President Bashar al-Assad has fled the city, according to reports.

Two army officials told Reuters that Assad boarded a plane and left to an unknown destination with rebels closing in on the capital.

Opposition fighters claimed to have liberated the prison of Sednaya, a large military jail on the outskirts of Damascus where the Syrian government detained thousands.

They reported no sign of Assad’s army. 

The rebels said on Saturday night that they had gained full control over the key city of Homs after only a day of fighting, leaving Assad’s 24-year rule dangling by a thread as insurgents marched on the capital.

Intense sounds of shooting were heard in the centre of the Damascus, residents reported.