Barbaric dictator's life of luxury laid bare as looters storm palace

SCORES of gleeful Syrians ransacked Bashar al-Assad's presidential palace in revenge for 54 years of his family's brutal oppression.

- Allister Hagger

Looters poured in and also entered the Assad family residence in the hours after rebels took Damascus, the culmination of a stunning advance on the capital.

Designer goods and luxury possessions hoarded by Assad, 59, and his British-born wife Asma, 49, were among the spoils carted off in the free-for-all.

Ordinary Syrians went from room to room, stripping the palace of the despot's prized possessions and vandalising what remained.

Others wandered the luxurious home and gardens, gazing in awe at a world until yesterday shuttered from their gaze.

A delighted Abu Omar, 44, said as he photographed the chaotic scenes: "I came for revenge. They oppressed us in incredible ways.

"I no longer feel afraid. My only concern is that we unite and build this country together."

Footage showed families roaming the three-building compound, with some emerging carrying stacks of plates, artworks and other household items.

One person was seen holding an orange Louis Vuitton box, while others carried bags bulging with looted items.

Suitcases were stuffed with clothing and other pilfered goods as the looters made the most of a power vacuum in the hours after the Assad regime's collapse.

Overturned, smashed furniture was seen strewn across the floor, alongside bed linen and shattered portraits of the fallen dictator.