TWO parallel civil actions launched against RBS by thousands of shareholders could join forces to pile pressure on the institution over claims it misled investors into pumping £12 billion into the bank.

RBoS Shareholders' Action Group this week lodged a letter of claim with RBS, its former chief executive Fred Goodwin and past chairman Sir Tom McKillop. Some 7400 investors and 80 institutional claimants are taking part in the action.

It mirrors a similar move made two years ago by the RBS Action Group. Chairman Michael Lamereaux said he would be keen to amalgamate with the new action to ensure results for its existing 8000 members.

RBS has said it would fight all claims with "credible and factual" defences.