Syrian security forces killed 57 people, mostly women and children, in the central province of Homs, opposition activists said Monday dpa reported
"Most of the bodies had traces of torture, some were burnt alive and others were slaughtered with knives," activist Omar Homsi said.
"The bodies belong to 28 women, 23 children and six men."
The alleged incident occurred in Karam al-Zeitoun neighbourhood late Sunday.
The area was the target of heavy shelling Sunday as rebels of the opposition Free Syrian Army were hiding in the area.
Protests against the killings reportedly broke out in several cities Monday, including Damascus.
The alleged massacre came a day after UN-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan visited Damascus.
"It's going to be difficult but we have to have hope," Annan said after two meetings with al-Assad.
Observers have said Annan appeared to have failed to overcome the refusal of both al-Assad and the opposition to start talks.
The UN has put the death toll at more than 7,500, including 500 children, in the last 11 months.