Syrian rebels claim to have brought down an army helicopter in Damascus.

Unverified video footage released by activists shows a burning helicopter falling to the ground. Rebels on the ground could be heard shouting “God is greatest”.

State TV has confirmed a helicopter crash near a mosque in the eastern district of Qaboun, without giving further details.

Witnesses say the aircraft was bombarding part of the city when it was hit during a burst of gunfire.

Since dawn there has been renewed fierce fighting in Damascus between rebels and troops loyal to President Bashar al-Assad.