TOYS R US is reportedly preparing to close 25 of its 106 UK stores.

Hundreds of staff are set to lose their jobs if the plan goes ahead.

The closures, which are being reported by national media today, would form part of a deal to renegotiate debts owed by the company to its landlords.

However, Toys R Us is currently not commenting on the reports, and it is not clear whether its Oxford branch, on Botley Road, could be in the firing line.

Either way, it is thought no closures would happen before Christmas.

Retail analysts have said all retail firms with big, out-of-store models like Toys R Us are having to face up to downsizing and restructuring in the wake of the e-commerce boom.

The news follows the announcements this week that hundreds of NatWest, RBS and Lloyds bank branches are to shut because of the rise in online banking.