A Russian rescue helicopter searching for pilots of the jet shot down by Turkey reportedly came under heavy rebel fire in the rebel-held area of Latakia.

There are conflicting reports that are doing the rounds. According to Express.co.uk, the Russian helicopter was brought down while flying over Syria in northern Latakia region looking for pilots of the jet, who ejected after their plane was shot down by Turkey.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) said that the rebels fired an anti-tank missile on the Russian helicopter, The Daily Star reported.

The rebels also have released a picture on Twitter claiming to show smoke rising from the scene of the Russian helicopter crash.

Another social media report claimed that the helicopter came under fire following which it returned back to base "safely."