URUMIYEH -- An Iranian helicopter crashed near this northwestern city in the West Azarbaijan Province on Monday, killing its pilot and injuring six police officers.

The crash occurred in Dalamper region, near the border with Turkey, in which brigadier Afshar Qolizadeh was killed. He was buried in Urumiyeh on Tuesday during a funeral procession.

Those injured -- commanders of the Islamic Republic of Iran police (IRIP) -- were taken to hospital and are reported to be in stable condition, IRNA reported.

The crash happened when the helicopter was on a routine patrol.

There has been no word yet on the cause of the incident.

Another Iranian helicopter crashed in the Persian Gulf in May, killing four people and leaving another injured.

The copter, Allouet III, belonged to the National Iranian Oil Company (NIOC) and went down shortly after takeoff from an oil platform.