Fashion firm's shares suspended after blast

Shares in online fashion retailer ASOS were suspended today after the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot damaged its warehouse.

The group, which is one of the UK’s fastest-growing retail businesses, only moved to the site in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, earlier this year.

ASOS said it had requested the suspension of its shares because it needed time to assess the impact of the explosion and disruption to the area.

Software and IT firm Northgate Information Solutions was also hit and said its head office had been “seriously damaged” by the blast. Four of its employees were taken to hospital but were later discharged.

And Dixons and Currys owner DSG International said its head office – housing 1,500 administrative workers – was closed today, although it stressed there would be no knock-on disruption to trading.