INTERNATIONAL leaders have called for calm after Turkish fighter jets shot down a Russian warplane.

Turkey said it downed the plane only after repeated warnings that its airspace was being violated but Moscow insisted it never strayed from Syrian airspace.

Vladimir Putin warned of "significant consequences for Russian-Turkish relations" after the attack, describing it as a "stab in the back".

Nato and the United States called for "de-escalation" amid fears the fallout from the incident could spiral.

David Cameron urged his Turkish counterpart to ensure that Ankara maintains direct communications with Moscow to avoid an escalation in tensions.

Ahmet Davutoglu phoned the Prime Minister and explained that Turkey had taken protective action after the Russian jet was warned "several times" not to violate Turkish air space, said Downing Street.

Nato said its "stands in solidarity" with Turkey and called for "calm" after holding an emergency session in response to the incident.

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