UK retail sales grew at their slowest rate for more than four years in May as rising inflation following the Brexit vote dragged on spending.

Sales volumes increased 0.9% last month compared to the same period in 2016, the slowest annual growth rate since April 2013.

According to data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), non-food stores suffered most with a 1.2% fall.

Grocery stores remained in growth, but the 0.1% climb marked their slowest upturn in sales volumes since July 2013.

On a month-on-month basis, the quantity of goods purchased across the sector slipped 1.2%, following a strong April.

Sales values grew at the faster rate of 4.1% last month, compared to May 2016, driven by inflation.

Average store prices, excluding fuel, ballooned 2.8% year-on-year.

The ONS said that the rise in the rate of inflation was the steepest it had recorded since March 2012.

Average weekly sales hit ÂŁ7.9bn during the month.

ONS senior statistician Ole Black said: “We have not seen lower growth in the year since April 2013. Increased retail prices across all sectors seem to be a significant factor in slowing growth.”

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