Several of Sky's Android apps have been removed from the Google Play store after they were targeted by the Syrian Electronic Army hacking collective.

It follows an attack which saw the logos of six of the UK broadcaster's apps replaced by that of the SEA.

The hackers also breached one of the firm's Twitter accounts, allowing them to post messages urging users to view the defaced programmes.

Targeting apps in this manner marks a new strategy for the group.

Its efforts have previously focused on taking over social media accounts used by the media and western political leaders, and publishing what are claimed to be leaked emails and other files from countries in the Middle East identified as "Syria's enemies".

Israeli newspapers also reported over the weekend that the SEA had mounted a failed attempt to disrupt the water supply in the port city of Haifa.