An employee apparently fired from music retailer HMV let loose on the company's official Twitter feed on Thursday, comparing the latest round of lay-offs to a "mass execution".

The rogue messages — which immediately attracted media attention — started with a missive saying "we're tweeting live from HR where we're all being fired! Exciting!!"

Laying off staff ... HMV

"There are over 60 of us being fired at once! Mass execution, of loyal employees who love the brand," another message said.

The person's identity wasn't clear but the Twitter messages came from the company's verified account, suggesting an employee was responsible.