British industrial production grows at fastest pace in four years

Manufacturing output grew 2.3% in April according to official figures that contrast with other data pointing to slowdown

British industrial production grew at the fastest pace in almost four years in April, boosted by the pharmaceuticals and energy sectors.

The official figures, which took the City by surprise and sent the pound higher, are in contrast with other economic data that has pointed to a slowdown in the economy before the EU referendum on 23 June.

Related: Why upbeat UK manufacturing figures have silenced Osborne