Top flight shares ended the day heavily in the red despite a better-than-expected start to trading in New York.

London shares overcame disappointing economic data and profit-taking to register their fifth straight session of gains today.

Caution ahead of the return of US traders from their long weekend was hampering the London market’s progress today.

Aerospace and defence group Meggitt today said it was on track for a strong annual performance after posting record half-yearly profits.