The international community has called for restraint and a de-escalation of tensions after Turkey shot down a Russian warplane on Tuesday in an area near the border with war-torn Syria.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said on Tuesday that he was "seriously concerned" about the downing of the Russian plane, voicing hope that "a credible and thorough review of the incident will clarify the events and help prevent any recurrence."

"The secretary-general is seriously concerned over the incident resulting in the downing of a Russian military plane by the Turkish Air Force," UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said. "He urges all relevant parties to take urgent measures with a view to de-escalate tensions."