FTSE closes down after bad day for Boots

The FTSE 100 Index of top shares has closed down 30.5 points at 5218.

One of the biggest losers of the day was pharmaceutical firm Boots.

They fell heavily on the London market today after a broker put out a research note questioning its accounting methods.

The group shed 4%, falling 28½p to 678p after Credit Suisse First Boston said the firm's accounting methods flattered pre-exceptional pre-tax profits.