By Sudip Kar-Gupta
LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's top share index fell for the fourth straight session on Tuesday after polls showed the campaign for Britain to leave the European Union had widened its lead before next week's vote.
The FTSE 100 index (FTSE) closed down 2 percent at 5,923.53 points, its lowest level in nearly four months. The index also fell below the 6,000 point mark for the first time since February.
The FTSE had its biggest one-day percentage fall since a 2.4 percent drop in February, and the index is down 5 percent so far in 2016.
A poll from TNS on Tuesday said the campaign for Britain to exit the European Union, dubbed as 'Brexit', had a "significant lead" over supporters of remaining in the bloc. The referendum will be held on June 23.
Britain's biggest selling daily newspaper, The Sun, also urged its readers on Tuesday to vote to leave the EU.
"There is little enthusiasm to buy UK stocks before the referendum, and sentiment has been further dampened after The Sun backed the 'Leave' camp," said London Capital Group analyst Ipek Ozkardeskaya.
Economists have warned that leaving the EU would hit the British economy. That possibility has hit sterling
While a weaker sterling can benefit the FTSE's international companies, it could also impact domestic consumer confidence in Britain.
"Domestic facing stocks, such as the house builders, look among those most at risk," said Dafydd Davies, partner at Charles Hanover Investments.
However, industrial equipment company Ashtead Group (L:AHT) outperformed to rise 3 percent after a strong set of results and an announcement of a share buy back plan.
"This is a value stock worth investing in," said Gary Paulin, head of global equities at Northern Trust Securities, commenting on Ashtead.
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Mike Dolan, Markets Editor EMEA.