Donald Trump has erupted in fury after it was reported that America has laid the groundwork for a potentially devastating cyber attack on Russia's electric grid, describing the article as a “virtual act of treason”.

According to a three month investigation by the New York Times, increasingly sophisticated malware has been embedded in the Russian electricity system which could be activated to plunge the country into darkness in the event of a major confrontation.

The president yesterday/SUN denied the story while calling the newspaper "cowards" and the "enemy of the people.”

However, Mr Trump’s outburst came as it emerged he may not have been informed of an escalation of digital incursions into Russia's infrastructure in what is seen as a warning to Vladimir Putin to refrain from further meddling in US life.

Pentagon and intelligence sources revealed to the newspaper a general hesitation to give detailed briefings to the US leader for fear of his reaction - and that he may inadvertently disclose their strategy to adversaries.

On Saturday night Mr Trump tweeted: "Do you believe that the Failing New York Times just did a story stating that the United States is substantially increasing Cyber Attacks on Russia. This is a virtual act of Treason by a once great paper so desperate for a story, any story, even if bad for our Country.”