OUTRAGED Georgians yesterday slammed a local television channel that sparked panic by broadcasting a faked report announcing that Russia had launched an invasion and the country’s president was dead.

A state of emergency was declared in Georgia as protesters took to the streets calling for the removal of President Mikhail Saakashvili.

Russia has evacuated all but two staff members and guards from its embassy in Georgia and announced it was suspending planning for further troop withdrawals from its ex-Soviet neighbour.

Georgian businessman Badri Patarkatsishvili tonight revealed he is considering investing in a potential bid for West Ham.