Unreleased Michael Jackson tracks stolen from label

Sony has confirmed online reports that a substantial number unheard of Michael Jackson tracks were stolen from its website by hackers.

The company have refused to disclose specific details but it is believed that more than 50,000 digital files - including unreleased material - have been hijacked.

In 2010 Sony Music acquired the rights to Jackson's back catalogue in a seven-year deal worth $250 million.

The Sunday Times reports that the tracks stolen include duets with Black Eyed Peas' Will.i.am and Queen's frontman Freddie Mercury.

A source told the paper: "Everything Sony purchased from the Michael Jackson estate was compromised. It caused them to check their systems and they found the breach. There was a degree of sophistication. Sony identified the weakness and plugged the gap."

The hack is thought to have taken place soon after Sony's PlayStation Network was breached in April last year.