The company also reported a 0.2 per cent rise in first half profits to £123.2million and shares, which have risen 70pc under Wilkinson, gained 0.2 per cent, or 2p, to 973p.
There was little in the way of explanation – hence the speculation among investors, analysts and the industry as shares tumbled 11.1 per cent, or 82.2p, to 660p.
Persimmon, meanwhile, dropped 1.6 per cent, or 19.5p, to 1241.5p and Barratt Redrow lost 2.2 per cent, or 9.7p, to 437p.
And until yesterday’s sell-off, shares were up 15 per cent since Isaacs, 60, took the reins on September 2 last year having spent much of his career in the US.
Shares in Imperial Leather owner PZ Cussons jumped 5.4 per cent, or 4.3p, to 83.7p after it raised its profits targets for the year.
