The eurozone economy has plunged deeper into recession, according to new research.

The research from statistics agency Eurostat, shows that output in the common currency area fell by 1.5% in the final quarter of 2008, following the 0.2% quarter-on-quarter decline in the third quarter.

Economic output growth in the euro area rose by 1% in 2008, compared to the 3% expansion seen in 2007.