Heartbreaking story behind photos of Syrian boy cuddling, sleeping with stray dog in Istanbul

A heartbreaking story behind photos showing a boy cuddling and sleeping with a stray dog on a street in Istanbul's Beşiktaş district has been revealed.

Turkish singer Haluk Levent, who is also the founder of the Anatolia People and Peace Platform (AHBAP), said the group contacted the boy.

He said the little boy had come to Turkey from war-torn Syria and was later thrown to the streets. 

"AHBAP crews in Istanbul contacted the boy. He came from Syria to Turkey, his uncle abandoned him and he has no one. We have done our best but it is not enough. Hundreds of little children like this boy are living in parks," he said on his Twitter account.    

He urged officials to help children suffering the same fate. 

"The government should take action immediately over the incident before winter. There is no use of criticizing the government now. They just need to take action immediately otherwise many children can lose their lives," he added.    

The singer said Syrian children living on the streets can later lead to problems in the future.

Meanwhile, the photos and a video showing the boy with the dog drew attention from Turkish social media users and were shared many times.