The Syrian regime was not responsible for the deaths of two Western journalists who "sneaked" into the country, the foreign ministry said on Thursday.

"We reject statements holding Syria responsible for the deaths of journalists who sneaked into its territory at their own risk," said a ministry statement read out on state television.

Journalists Marie Colvin, who reported for London’s Sunday Times, and French freelance photojournalist Remi Ochlik were killed by a shell hitting a centre set up by anti-regime militants in Hioms, reports said.