Fierce fighting is continuing on the outskirts of the Iraqi city Tikrit  as government forces and militiamen backed by Iran press on to retake the strategic city from Islamic State militants.

Security forces said progress has been slow as IS is putting up a strong resistance.

After liberating an area about six miles east of Tikrit teams searched homes for bombs that may have been left behind by fleeing IS militants.

Officials said a plan will be put in place to help families return home. But for now, civilians want the army's assistance in fleeing. 

"Our feeling is the same as the feeling of genuine Iraqi people. You are a national army and you are good people, while they (IS fighters) are people of different nationalities who came from outside the country," a civilian said.

The outcome of the battle for Tikrit will determine whether and how fast the Iraqi forces can advance north to win back Mosul, the biggest city under Islamic State control.