Phones 4u workers in Wimbledon and Colliers Wood were at risk of losing their jobs today, after the firm slid into administration.

Despite recording a £105m profit last year, the retail chain has seen the country's biggest mobile phone companies withdraw their business in recent months, with Three, O2 and Vodofone all cutting ties with Phones 4u.

The exodus culminated on Friday, when EE announced it would no longer be selling phones through the company.

More than 5,500 jobs are now at risk.

All of the company's UK stores were closed today, including outlets in Wimbledon Bridge and the Priory Retail Park in Colliers Wood.

Helen Clark Bell, Love Wimbledon BID manager, said: "Decisions made by national companies can have a huge impact on high streets across the country.

"Fortunately in Wimbledon we have a very low number of empty shops, lower than the national and London averages, so if they do decide not to re-open the shop, we hope it won’t be empty for long."

Wimbledon Times:

"Heartbroken": a message from Phones 4u to Wimbledon customers

Phones 4u chief executive David Kassler said: "Today is a very sad day for our customers and our staff.

"If the mobile network operators decline to supply us, we do not have a business.

"A good company making profits of over £100 million, employing thousands of decent people has been forced into administration.

"The ultimate result will be less competition, less choice and higher prices."