Pakistani troops fired at US military helicopters forcing them to turn back to Afghanistan after they crossed into Pakistani territory, according to Pakistani security officials.

The incident took place near Angoorada, a village in the tribal region of South Waziristan, on Monday amid growing anger in Pakistan over US strikes on Pakistani soil.

At least 20 people, including women and children, were killed in a US strike earlier this month in South Waziristan, sparking outrage and prompting a diplomatic protest.

"The US choppers came into Pakistan by just 100 to 150 metres at Angoorada. Even then our troops did not spare them, opened fire on them and they turned away," a security official said.

Another Pakistani security official said that US armoured vehicles were also seen moving on the Afghan side of the border, while US warplanes were seen overhead.

He also said that Pakistani soldiers had fired into the air, forcing the helicopters back across the border.

Involvement denied

However, Major Murad Khan, a Pakistani military spokesman, said that although there had been shooting it did not involve Pakistani troops and the American helicopters had not crossed into Pakistani airspace.

"The US choppers were there at the border, but they did not violate our airspace," Khan said.

"We confirm that there was a firing incident at the time when the helicopters were there, but our forces were not involved."

Last week, General Ashfaq Kayani, the Pakistani army chief, said that Pakistan would not allow foreign troops on its soil and Pakistan's sovereignty and territorial integrity would be defended at all cost.

The New York Times newspaper reported last week that George Bush, the US president, had given clearance for US raids across the border.

South Waziristan, in the southern part of the country bordering Afghanistan, is seen by the US as a safe haven for supporters of the Taliban and al-Qaeda.