Seven Wilko stores in south east London are at risk of closing as the high street giant falls into administration.

It comes after the retailer shared that it has administrators after failing to secure a rescue deal.

With over 400 stores it will see over 12,000 jobs across the UK put at risk at Wilko.

The south east London stores at risk are in Greenwich, Bromley, Bexleyheath, Thamesmead, Orpington, Lewisham, and Penge.

These stores are located in Greenwich Shopping Park, Bromley High Street, Bexleyheath Broadway, Cannon Retail Park in Thamesmead, Walnuts Shopping Centre in Orpington, Unit 40 in Lewisham Centre and The Blenheim Centre in Penge.

Earlier this year the company hired advisers from PwC in a bid to find to a buyer in order to secure fresh funding to keep the firm trading.

Last year, the retailer agreed a deal to borrow £40 million from restructuring specialist Hilco after posting significant losses.

Mark Jackson, chief executive officer of Wilko, said the firm had “a significant level of interest” but was “left with no choice but to take this unfortunate action” after being unable to close a deal within time.

In a letter, Mr Jackson explained: “Over the past six months Wilko has been very open that we’ve been considering options to accelerate a turnaround plan given that we needed to make significant changes to the way we operate to restore confidence and stabilise our business.

“We left no stone unturned when it came to preserving this incredible business but must concede that with regret, we’ve no choice but to take the difficult decision to enter into administration.

“We’ve all fought hard to keep this incredible business intact but must concede that time has run out and now, we must do what’s best to preserve as many jobs as possible, for as long as is possible, by working with our appointed administrators.”