CPI inflation, the main measure of inflation, dropped sharply in February to 3.4% from 4% in January, ONS said today.

There was a surprise surge in CPI inflation in February to 10.4% - from 10.1% in January - due mainly to rising food prices.

The Consumer Prices Index (CPI) 12-month rate rose to 0.7% in October from 0.5% in September, continuing a recent rising trend.