Crashed fashion retailer Ciro Citterio has closed down all of its Midland outlets after the Official Receiver was called in, it was confirmed yesterday.

The Official Receiver will examine reasons for the insolvency as well as look to realise assets to pay off creditors.

As part of the plan, all 50 of the company's stores, including ones in the Bullring, Solihull's Touchwood Court and the Merry Hill centre in Brierley Hill have been closed.

The Official Receiver would not comment on how many people had been dismissed or the extent of debts accumulated by Ciro Citterio.

A spokeswoman said: "The Official Receiver is now in charge of the company and the decision has been taken to close all the stores down.

"This is a compulsory liquidation and as such we cannot comment on employees or the extent of the debts.

"But we would call on the creditors and employees to get in touch with us."

Meanwhile it has emerged that a former finance director of the firm will appear in court next month charged with conspiracy to defraud.

Ramesh Sthankiya, aged 56, is one of five people accused by the Serious Fraud Office of conspiring to defraud finance companies and suppliers and goods and services to the fashion retailer.

Sthankiya, who is not linked to the most recent management of the company, has been charged with colluding with two suppliers, Donald Brian Ashford who ran Leeds Leasing and Paul John Syers, the head of a company called Symac.

He is also accused of conspiring with Ian Henry Stewart and Gary James Stewart, who ran a firm called AG Shop Fittings. The five are due to appear at Birmingham Crown Court on June 1.