Fast food giant McDonald's refused to comment on speculation it was to close a number of restaurants in London.

Rumours have been spreading since the company announced it wanted to shut 175 under-performing outlets in ten countries.

McDonald's only confirmed it would close its operations in Latin America and the Middle East.

The speculation is based on reports that McDonald's has appointed property consultants to value the leases on its London sites. The firm is the largest owner of retail property in the world.