CNN viewers around the world have been left baffled after the network interrupted its regular broadcast to show an image of a desk and chair.

The news network was carrying coverage of President Donald Trump's daily coronavirus press conference when it abruptly switched to video of what appeared to be a home office.

The desk had a laptop, as well as papers, hand sanitiser and tissues on it, while in the background a large video screen projected a coronavirus-themed background.

The images appeared for six minutes before the network cut back into Trump's presser without any explanation for the interruption.

Concerned viewers took to Twitter to question what had happened, with one writing: "I was listening to Trump drone on then CNN switched to this. Blessed silence."

Another added: "I'm kinda waiting for Jigsaw to come out and tell us this whole thing is a test. #CNN"

The footage went out on both the US domestic feed of CNN as well as CNN International around the world.