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Disappointing third-quarter earnings from Google were accidentally published several hours earlier than planned, sparking a panicked sell-off of the internet company’s shares until trading was halted for more than two hours.

The figures showed Google’s consolidated revenues grew 45 per cent to $14.1bn for the quarter ended September 30. Net income fell 20 per cent to $2.18bn. Earnings of $9.03 per share were below analysts’ expectations of about $10.60.

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Speaking to analysts after the market closed, Larry Page, chief executive, said: “I’m sorry for the scramble earlier today. Our printers said they pressed send on the release a bit early.”