Economic activity in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since April 2009 following the Brexit vote, it has been revealed.

The Markit Flash UK Composite Output Index, which measures growth, plummeted to its lowest level since the financial crisis, falling to 47.7 in July. A reading over 50 indicates growth.

The data was collected between July 12 and 21, with the slump triggered by falling output and orders for the first time since the end of 2012.

Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, said the update showed a "dramatic deterioration" in the UK economy, which is on course to contract by 0.4% in the third quarter.

He said: "The downturn, whether manifesting itself in order book cancellations, a lack of new orders or the postponement or halting of projects, was most commonly attributed in one way or another to 'Brexit'.

"Given the record slump in service sector business expectations, the suggestion is that there is further pain to come in the short-term at least."

The update comes after the Bank of England said on Wednesday that business uncertainty had "risen markedly" since the Brexit vote - but there was "no clear evidence" of a sharp economic slowdown.

Sterling was down 0.2% against the dollar at 1.318 US dollars after the report was published, while the pound also fell 0.3% against the euro at 1.195 euro.

The study found that its flash UK services PMI hit an 88-month low of 47.4 this month, compared to 52.3 in June.

The flash UK manufacturing PMI was also in the doldrums, slipping to a 41-month low of 49.1 in July after a reading of 52.1 the month before.

The flash UK manufacturing PMI output index also dropped from 52.9 to 49.1 over the period.