SHARES in online fashion retailer Asos were suspended yesterday after the explosion at the Buncefield oil depot, in Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire, damaged its warehouse.

The group, which is one of the UK's fastest-growing retail businesses, moved to the site earlier this year.

Asos requested the suspension of its shares so it could assess the impact of the explosion and disruption. Software and IT company Northgate Information Solutions was also hit and said its head office had been "seriously damaged" by the blast. Four of its employees were taken to hospital but were later discharged.

Dixons and Currys owner DSG International also closed its office, but said there would be no disruption to trading.