Sean Hannity’s Twitter account was seemingly deactivated, shortly after his painful on-air U-turn over Donald Trump’s reported attempt to sack special counsel Robert Mueller.

Users trying to access the Fox News host’s feed on Saturday were told: ”Sorry, that page does not exist.”

The reason for the verified account’s disappearance was unclear. It was restored after several hours, although initially with fewer than 320 followers.

Mr Hannity had faced a barrage of ridicule over the U-turn on his show on Thursday.

The presenter, one of Mr Trump’s most loyal supporters, initially suggested a story reporting that the President attempted to axe Mr Mueller from the Russia probe was false.

“At this hour the New York Times is trying to distract you,” he insisted. “They say Trump tried to fire Mueller, but our sources aren’t confirming that,”

Minutes later, he reversed his claim, telling viewers: “All right, so we have sources tonight just confirming to Ed Henry that, maybe, yeah, Donald Trump wanted to fire the special counsel for conflict. Does he not have the right to raise those questions?”

The Fox News host's Twitter account appeared to have been deactivated (Twitter)

Mr Trump has denied trying to sack the special counsel, who is investigating allegations that Russia influenced the presidential election and colluded with the Republicans’ campaign. Speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, the President called the story “fake news”.

Some Twitter users suggested Mr Hannity may have deactivated his account account to escape online mockery over his U-turn.

"I guess that snowflake melted from the heat of ridicule he brought on himself," suggested one.

Mr Hannity’s account disappeared hours after posting a tweet reading “Form Submission 1649”.