Consumer confidence in the UK has fallen to its lowest level since December 2001, according to the latest figures.

The Martin Hamblin GFK survey for the European Commission, found that consumers were increasingly worried about the state of the economy.

The biggest fall in confidence was on the issue of the general economic situation, with 46% of those questioned believing that this had got bleaker in the last 12 months.

The dark outlook echoed findings in the US earlier this week, when research groups reported the lowest confidence levels for nine years.

Bad news all round

The GFK survey found that overall confidence in the UK economy fell by 3 points in October to just 1 point - its lowest level since December 2001.

Perhaps more worrying, the survey also found that expectations for the future had dropped 3 points to a negative score of -11 points.

A spokeswoman for the group said there did not seem to be any major reason for the heightened fears.

US lead

In the US, the Conference Board research group said earlier this week that its closely-watched consumer confidence index had slumped in October.

The survey also noted a sharp fall in expectations for the six months ahead.

Analysts said the continuing stock market falls and fears that an attack on the economy could disrupt the economy have battered consumer sentiment in the last year.