Jobs across north Kent and south east london stores are at risk after Phones4u collapsed into administration.

It was announced yesterday (September 14) companies EE and Vodafone had “unexpectedly” withdrawn support and now all the firm's shops are closed.

Phones4u has closed its website with a message explaining the situation, signing off from the "heartbroken Phones4u Team”.

There are outlets in Dartford High Street, in Bluewater and in New Road, Gravesend.

There are also stores at Intu Bromley, Lewisham shopping centre, Eltham High Street and Bexleyheath.

The future of the mobile retailer remains unknown and more than 5,500 jobs are at risk across the country's 550 stores.

Entrepreneur John Caudwell set up the company in the mid-1980s and sold it for around £1.5bn 20 years later.

An EE spokesman said: “In line with our strategy to focus on growth in our direct channels and to move to fewer, deeper relationships in the indirect channel, and driven by developments in the marketplace that have called into question the long term viability of the Phones 4u business, we can confirm that we have taken the decision not to extend our contract beyond next September. 

"We will monitor developments and work to provide any necessary support for customers who joined EE through Phones 4u.”

Do you work at one of the north Kent stores? Call the newsdesk on 01689 885 721 or email hwood@london.newsquest.co.uk