Stock markets plunged across Europe today after inconclusive Italian election results reignited fears over eurozone instability.
The FTSE 100 Index closed 1.3% lower after an 84.9 point fall to 6,270.4 as the deadlock is expected to make it harder for Italy to pass the reforms it needs to reduce its debts.
Banks were hardest hit in the market sell-off, with Barclays down 14.7p at 297p, Royal Bank of Scotland off 15.3p at 339.5p and Lloyds Banking Group 1.8p lower at 53.1p.
They were joined by leisure group Whitbread after it reported slower sales growth in the 11 weeks to February 14. The figure of 2.7% compared with 3.3% in the previous quarter but the Premier Inn, Costa and Beefeater owner said some of the slowdown reflected the wintry conditions last month. Shares in the top flight stock fell 94p to £24.69.
In the FTSE 250 Index, shares in Sports Direct International were 5% lower after it emerged that founder Mike Ashley has sold a 4% stake worth £100million.
The disposal of 25million shares will still leave Mr Ashley with a stake of about 64%, down from around 68%. Sports Direct shares were 21.5p lower at 409p.
The biggest FTSE 100 risers were GKN up 9p to 261.3p, Randgold Resources ahead 140p to £56.15, Croda International 28p higher at £25.84 and CRH up 14p at £14.35.
The biggest FTSE 100 fallers included Vedanta Resources, 46p lower at £11.73.
Steven McKay, of investment manager and financial planning specialist Brewin Dolphin in Aberdeen, noted Weir Group closed the day with a modest rise of 0.14% at £21.64.
Among the fallers Wood Group closed 3.3% lower at 771.5p, Aberdeen Asset Management weakened 2.5% to 424.7p and BG Group slipped 1.9% to £11.47.