News, views and top stories in your inbox. Don't miss our must-read newsletter Sign up Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

The United States has flatly denied claims that missing Flight MH370 had landed at its military base on the remote island of Diego Garcia.

There have been rumours that the jetliner could have headed for the small coral atoll in the Indian Ocean after it veered off course while travelling between Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Beijing, China on March 8.

However, a spokesman for the US embassy in the Malaysian capital said there was no truth in this speculation.

He told Malaysia's Star newspaper by email: "There was no indication that MH370 flew anywhere near the Maldives or Diego Garcia.

"MH370 did not land in Diego Garcia.

"Under the coordinating efforts of Malaysia and Australia, the US Navy's Seventh Fleet is working alongside 26 other nations to locate the aircraft based on areas identified by Malaysian and international experts."

MH370 disappeared on March 8 with 239 passengers and crew members on board.

Diego Garcia is about 3,500km from Malaysia.

Follow regular updates on the search for the Missing Malaysian Airlines flight MH370 with our LIVE blog.