Sky Sports News is no longer available on Freeview where it has been replaced by a timeshifted version of Sky 3.

The news channel is now only available on the pay-TV platforms Sky, Virgin Media and TalkTalk TV.

The move coincides with the launch today of Sky Sports News HD on Sky channel 455 and available to all Sky+ HD customers.

According to entertainment website Digital Spy, Sky has commissioned a raft of new programmes for the new HD sports news channel and hired more reporters, presenters and production staff to provide deeper coverage of the big sports stories.

It has also launched an iPad app offering those who download it news, views and opinions from the world of sport. It also offers live streaming of Sky Sports News Radio (also available online), which will be broadcasting rolling news coverage.