Amazon’s first-quarter profit has risen 18% as shoppers continue to flock to the online mega retailer to buy goods.

Amazon.com posted first-quarter profits that beat analysts’ estimates and boosted the company’s stock in extended trading.

Online retailer Amazon grew sales between April and June but saw its shares suffer last night after revealing a fall in quarterly profits.

Amazon.com, the internet's largest retailer, has said higher revenue and cost-cutting have helped it narrow its quarterly loss and raise its outlook for the year.