Washington - Fox News' Twitter feed for political news was hacked on Monday, with tweets claiming that US President Barack Obama had been assassinated, the broadcaster reported.

"Hackers sent out several malicious and false tweets claiming that President Obama had been assassinated. Those reports are incorrect, of course, and the president is spending the July 4 holiday with his family," Fox News said in a statement.

"The hacking is being investigated, and FoxNews.com regrets any distress the false tweets may have created," it said.

The tweets said that Obama was shot dead at a restaurant in the state of Iowa while campaigning, and wished Vice President Joe Biden the best of luck. The feed has more than 33 600 followers.

More than five hours after they were posted, they remained on the feed.

"@BarackObama has just passed. Nearly 45 minutes ago, he was shot twice in the lower pelvic area and in the neck; shooter unknown. Bled out," one tweet read.

"BREAKING NEWS: President @BarackObama assassinated, 2 gunshot wounds have proved too much. It's a sad 4th for #america. #obamadead RIP," another read.

July 4 is US Independence Day. The Obamas are scheduled to host military heroes and their families, and the festivities include a barbeque, concert and fireworks at the White House.

Obama is expected to deliver remarks at the event.

By SAPA