SIX Syrian refugee children are already being cared for in Bournemouth, with civic officials making a commitment to take in more families and youngsters fleeing the conflict.

To date more than 300,000 people have been killed in the grinding five-year civil war. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights has reported the number of children killed as 16,000.

An estimated 11 million Syrians have left their homes since the outbreak of war in March 2011. According to the United Nations 4.8 million fled to Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, Egypt and Iraq - with around one million requesting asylum in Europe.

Bournemouth Council executive director for adults and children's services, Jane Portman, said: "I can confirm that we are currently supporting, as Looked after Children, six Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) ranging from 15 to 18 years of age.

"These young people are very well placed in their care setting and have had access to a robust support network from point of arrival, as will any future arrivals."

Bournemouth Council has also restated its continued commitment to Syrian families through the resettlement programme. In addition to the six UASC's, the authority has also indicated a willingness to accept three families into the area.

In neighbouring Poole officials have pledged to resettle five Syrian refugees.

Borough of Poole cabinet portfolio holder for housing and communities, Cllr Karen Rampton, said: "We have all been moved by the severity of the Syrian refugee crisis and will be doing what we can in Poole to support the government's initiative to accept more refugees.

"We have currently pledged to resettle five people under the government's Syrian Vulnerable Persons Resettlement Scheme, all of whom are yet to arrive in Poole, although this figure may rise."

Cllr Rampton explained that when the refugees arrive the council will work with faith and community groups to ensure "adequate support is made available."

Last year Dorset County Council announced how it was coordinating efforts to settle refugees from war-torn Syria within a 'cluster' area in Dorset, preferably in private rented accommodation.

The number of families County Hall was looking to assist has not been confirmed, but the authority has been working with partner agencies - such as the NHS - on the basis of resettling six to eight families.