Mobile phone retailer Phones 4u is to go into administration – placing jobs in St Albans at risk.

The company said all its 550 stores, including the one at 37 Market Place, are closed today pending a decision by the administrators on whether the business can be reopened for trading.

The decision comes after network operator EE joined Vodafone in cutting ties with the retailer.

Staff have been asked to go to work as normal today to be briefed by management.