The UK's largest newspaper group Trinity Mirror reports sales of its flagship national daily, the Daily Mirror, have slumped after a hoax picture scandal.

In a trading statement the group called the paper's May circulation figures "disappointing". They fell by just over 2% to 1.8 million a day.

Daily Mirror editor Piers Morgan caused a furore after publishing the pictures which allegedly showed British troops abusing an Iraqi detainee. Morgan, also a high-profile TV talking head, was sacked after the photographs turned out to be fakes. He was replaced last week by Richard Wallace.

Although the affair has cast a pall of gloom over the group's directors, there were some bright spots. Across the board figures were healthy. Advertising revenues have risen more than 5% in the last six months.

TM's regional newspaper division, which comprises 250 titles, posted advertising growth of 6%, while circulation was up nearly 4%.

By comparison circulation of its national titles, which include Sunday Mirror, The People and the Scottish Daily Record, was expected to be up by 6.6%. The projected increase in advertising revenue was 2.7%.

Data sourced from: BrandRepublic (UK); additional content by WARC staff