. . . AS VULTURES TARGET UK STORES

HEDGE funds are ramping up bets against some of the biggest names in retail as they cash in on weak Christmas trading.

Debenhams, Morrisons and Marks and Spencer are some of those under attack from short sellers, who make money when a firm’s share price falls.

As much as 14.3pc of Debenhams’ stock is short sold according to Financial Conduct Authority figures. It suggests more grim news after a year in which shares have dropped almost 40pc.

Others under pressure include Sainsbury’s and Pets at Home – shorted at 11.1pc and 10.3pc respectively.