Debenhams has said it cannot confirm which of the 50 high street shops it plans to axe after posting a dire set of financial figures.

The struggling department chain, which last month opened a new store in the extended intu centre, made the announcement today potentially putting around 4,000 jobs at risk.

The group, which also has a store in Borehamwood, said the closures will place over a three to five year period, but that none of the 50 shops marked to close could be revealed yet.

Debenhams said the 50 stores are “currently profitable” and represent under 15 per cent of the company’s total sales, but that they saw no long-term future for the sites.

The high street giant swung to a £491.5 million loss in the year to September 1 after being stung by exceptional write-downs of £512.4 million, primarily relating to store and lease provisions, IT costs and impairment charges.

The loss compares to a £59 million profit in 2017.

A Debenhams spokesperson said: “We have identified up to 50 stores, accounting for under 15 per cent of total sales, which are currently profitable, but where we do not see a long-term future and which we intend to exit over the next three to five years.

“This is an ongoing five-year programme and we are not disclosing a list of these stores.”

Boss Sergio Bucher said: "It has been a tough year for retail in 2018 and our performance reflects that. We are taking decisive steps to strengthen Debenhams in a market that remains volatile and challenging.

"We are taking tough decisions on stores where financial performance is likely to deteriorate over time."

The store closures will bring the Debenhams estate down to about 100 and come on top of 10 earmarked earlier this year.