Retail sales in Britain fell after July 7 bombings

Retail sales fell by 11.5 percent in London in August compared with the same month in 2004 as shoppers avoided the British capital after the July 7 bombings, according to industry figures published Monday.

The drop was the largest year-on-year drop since the London Retail Consortium began compiling figures in October 2002.

"These figures give the lie to any suggestion that the effects of the terrorist incidents in July have largely worn off," said director Kevin Hawkins.

The group said several sporting events and good weather, which encourages people to head for other centers, also kept consumers out of London.

Retail sales in London fell by 8.9 percent in July compared with the same month last year.