The number of executives suspended over Tesco’s accountancy problems has risen to eight after three more people were asked to leave their posts.

Dan Jago, director of beers and wines, William Linnane, director of impulse purchases, and Sean McCurley, director of convenience, were asked to step aside.

As part of an investigation into the revelation that the company overstated its profits by £250 million, Tesco has already suspended former commercial director Kevin Grace and UK managing director Chris Bush.

Tesco said, "We have asked three employees to step aside to facilitate the investigation into the potential overstatement of profits in UK food. We will provide an update on the investigation with our interim results on October 23rd."

Chief executive Dave Lewis has made clear that the actions taken against the Tesco executives are not "disciplinary or an admission of guilt".