According to the figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) retail sales in UK increased 1.9 percent in June due to the strong demand for summer clothing and footwear amid a tropical heatwave.

Strong demand for summer clothing and footwear amid a tropical heatwave helped boost UK retail sales 1.9 per cent last month, official data revealed Friday.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed the spell of hot weather led to sizzling sales on the high street with clothing sales up 2.2 per cent as shoppers snapped up items such as flip-flops, hats, swimwear and T-shirts.

"Anecdotal evidence from retailers suggests that the warm, sunny weather in June led to strong sales of seasonal goods such as barbecues, barbecue food, and drink," the ONS said.

"Clothing and footwear also sold well in June, again probably because of the good weather."

It added the total value of retail sales in June was around £22.5 billion - up 7.3 per cent on the year-ago period.