DEBENHAMS stores will shut for good after a rescue bid fell through, the BBC has reported.

There will be 12,000 jobs at risk across the country with all 124 of the department store's shops to cease trading.

Sites in Brighton, Crawley, Worthing and Hastings will be among those to close.

The Brighton site currently occupies a prime location in the Churchill Square shopping centre.

The news comes after high street rival JD Sports has pulled out of rescue talks with the department store chain, which has been in administration since April. 

In a statement to the London Stock Exchange, the company said: “JD Sports Fashion, the leading retailer of sports, fashion and outdoor brands, confirms that discussions with the administrators of Debenhams regarding a potential acquisition of the UK business have now been terminated.”

Debenhams has already cut 6,500 jobs across its network of stores due to severe cuts implemented after it entered administration for the second time in 12 months.

The Argus: A Debenhams store in SussexA Debenhams store in Sussex

It is understood that the collapse of the deal is partly linked to the administration of Arcadia, which is the biggest operator of concessions in Debenhams stores.

Arcadia, responsible for high street staples such as Topshop and Burton, tumbled into insolvency on Monday evening, casting a shadow over its own 13,000 workers and 444 stores.