Sony has accidentally distributed a film that is still playing in US cinemas via its PlayStation Network. Armored, starring Matt Dillon and Jean Reno, was mistakenly uploaded to the storefront and issued for free.

The error was spotted within five hours and the film was removed. It is not known how many copies were downloaded in this time.

As the movie was already processed and cleared for digital download, reports that Sony Pictures is providing Sony Computer Entertainment with early content have arisen.

The company made a similar error last year, when it offered Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs one month before its DVD release.