Scores of customers were today trying to ring an emergency hotline after two major furniture shops closed without warning.

But they found the number given out by Landmark was permanently engaged.

Many people have put down 15 per cent deposits on furniture which has yet to be delivered and are worried about whether they will get the goods or their money back.

Staff at the Worthing and Bognor stores were still serving customers on Friday.

Removal lorries were drafted in yesterday to remove stock from the three-storey building in Chapel Road, Worthing.

There was a sign on the door telling customers to ring 02380 247018.

A woman in the store said customers would get their furniture, but warned that it might take them at least two days to get through on the hotline.

She said a letter was sent out second class on Friday telling people what was happening.

Landmark, based in Chandlers Ford, Hampshire, has another three stores in the South and more than 20 in Scotland.

Up to ten staff, including those running a cafeteria on the second floor, have been laid off from the Worthing branch.

A customer services operator at Chandlers Ford said: "All orders will be fulfilled. There is no danger of people not receiving their orders or refunds if they cancel."

He apologised to people trying to get through on the hotline. "Unfortunately, we don't have enough lines. We honestly underestimated the number of calls. We have got two more people starting next week."