Phones 4u stores across north Essex closed their doors today after the company was forced into administration.

The retailer has two stores in Colchester, two in Clacton and one in Braintree.

Administrators were called in after network operators EE joined Vodaphone and O2 in cutting ties with the firm.

The company, which employs 5,596 people nationally, said all stores will remain closed until the administrators decided what to do next.

David Kassler, Chief Executive of Phones 4u, 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.”

Employees are being asked to go to work as usual where they will be briefed by management.

The company intends to pay all staff until further notice.