Following the deaths of two women and three children,in a series of heavy mortar attacks, by Syrian government forces.

The Turkish government has retaliated, targeting the Tall al-Abyad district, and killing a number of government troops according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. Ankara's response marks the first time it has fired into Syria during the 18-month-long unrest there. Turkey also asked the UN Security Council to take "necessary action" to stop Syrian "aggression". Meanwhile, NATO envoys, held an urgent meeting in Brussels at the request of Turkey, which is a member of the military alliance.

William Hague also added his voice condemning the Syrian attack.

Turkey's immediate shelling of Syrian positions and its calling of an emergency meeting of NATO represent a final warning to the authorities in Syria- a signal that Turkey's patience has worn thin and although public opinion in Turkey has not sought Turkish intervention in Syria – this could easily change if more Turkish people are killed on home soil.

Written and presented by Ann Salter