UK economy fails to grow in July

The UK unexpectedly failed to grow in July, after flatlining in June, official figures showed.

Analysts had forecast slight growth of 0.2%.

A summer of sport, including the Euros, helped to boost the services sector which includes retail and hospitality, but production and construction output both fell.

GDP - or gross domestic product - is closely watched as a sign of how well the economy is faring.

However, the figures are an early estimate and are often revised slightly after more data comes in.

"The economy recorded no growth for the second month running, though longer term strength in the services sector meant there was growth over hte last three months as a whole," said Liz McKeown, director of economic statistics at the Office for National Statistics.