The number of company directors disqualified from office has increased for the third year running, according to new research.

Some 1,231 directors were struck off in 2017, with the length of bans from disqualification orders also increasing, said accountancy firm Moore Stephens.

Its report said that the trend shows pressure is being kept up on 'rogue' dictators.

Jeremy Willmont of Moore Stephens said: 'Directors who do not abide by the rules are more likely than ever to be caught, but there is always more that could be done.

'When a company is in financial distress, some directors may be tempted to break the rules to keep the business going a little bit longer.

'However, longer disqualification periods and the increase in disqualifications should persuade directors to seek professional advice before making any decisions that could adversely impact the rest of their careers.'

The latest figure for the past year is 17 higher than the previous 12 months and 21 more than in 2014/15, the study showed.