The verified Twitter account for Fox News Politics has been hacked and been used to claim that President Barack Obama has been assassinated.

After three days of inactivity, a post claimed that the news organisation had "just regained full access to our Twitter and email".

It then continued: "Barack Obama has just passed. The President is dead. A sad 4th of July, indeed. President Barack Obama is dead.

"Nearly 45 minutes ago, he was shot twice in the lower pelvic area and in the neck; shooter unknown. Bled out.

"Barack Obama shot twice at a Ross' restaurant in Iowa while campaigning. RIP Obama, best regards to the Obama family."

The hoaxer added: "#ObamaDead, it's a sad 4th of July. RT to support the late president's family, and RIP. The shooter will be found.

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

"We wish Joe Biden the best of luck as our new President of the United States. In such a time of madness, there's light at the end of tunnel."

Fox News has since confirmed on its website that the Twitter account was hacked this morning.

"Hackers sent out several malicious and false tweets claiming that President Obama had been assassinated," it confirmed

"Those reports are incorrect, of course, and the president is spending the July 4 holiday with his family.

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

However, at the time of writing, the posts still remain on the Twitter account.

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