Iranian media says tribespeople are opening fire on US helicopters as the search continues for two missing American aircrew after their aircraft is reportedly brought down earlier today.

The Tehran Times, an English-language newspaper published in Tehran, has released video it says shows armed men on the ground firing bolt-action rifles at a low-flying helicopter.

The footage has not been independently verified.

According to the same reports, the helicopters are involved in efforts to locate the two missing crew members.

The latest claims come after Iranian civilians are reportedly urged to help capture the missing pilots, with promises of a “valuable reward”.

Iranian media also says residents are told to bring the aircrew in “dead or alive” and to shoot at low-flying US aircraft if they see them.