A Bradford charity boss who was smuggled into conflict-torn Syria last week has spoken of the horrors she witnessed and the need to support people suffering as a result of the violence.

Anjum Tahirkheli, founder and chief executive officer of international humanitarian charity Basic Human Rights, wanted to embed herself among those desperately in need to find out how help could get past the borders and into the country.

She said getting into Syria was “horrific” and getting out again was a two-day operation which required the help of 75 people.

“You could see the soldiers, it was almost like you were going to get ambushed at any moment,” she said.

The charity has been working with Hand in Hand for Syria, an organisation which gets aid directly to those still in the country and to those who have fled.

Mrs Tahirkheli spent two days in Al-Qusayr, about three miles from the troubled city of Homs.

She said: “The charity workers are smuggled in. It’s very dangerous. It is networks of Syrian charities risking their lives to ensure humanitarian assistance is reaching those in great need.”

She said she experienced “constant bombing and shelling” during her visit. “The family I stayed with, the little boy was constantly putting his fingers in his ears,” she said. “I witnessed hands hanging off, a person’s arm lost. It was the first time I’ve seen conflict in that way. It happens in slow motion, you almost have an acceptance of what is happening to you.

“I think I was in shock, it was extremely dangerous. You know if you are caught by the regime you are not just going to get a bullet to your head, I’ve seen what they’ve done to people. You are made an example of.”

Basic Human Rights, which is based in Sunbridge Road, will host a dinner at the Cedar Court Hotel, Bradford, on Thursday, July 26, to raise funds and awareness of the plight of those suffering in Syria.

To donate, or to book a table at the dinner, phone (01274) 738456 or visit basichumanrights.org.uk.