A number of multiplex cinemas in Kent are at risk of closure as a new buyer has yet to be confirmed for struggling Cineworld.

The chain - which owns several cinemas in the county - filed for bankruptcy protection in the US last September after it had debt totalling almost £5 billion following struggles during Covid.

But now, the firm - the second-largest cinema chain in the world - has revealed it has been approached by a number of potential buyers. But, none of the plans involve "an all-cash bid" for the entire firm, and as such, all its branches could be at risk.

Cineworld has cinemas in Ashford, Dover and Rochester.

It also owns Picturehouse, which has a site in Ashford.

In a statement, Cineworld said: "The company has now received non-binding proposals from a number of potential transaction counterparties for some or all of the group's business.

"None of these proposals involves an all-cash bid for the entire business.

"The company is reviewing such proposals in conjunction with its advisers and key stakeholders.

"Whilst no decision has been made as to whether to pursue a sale transaction, and the terms of any such transaction remain uncertain, based on the proposals received to date, it is not expected that any sale transaction will provide any recovery for the holders of the company's equity interests.

"Whilst the discussions suggest there is a route to the company emerging from the Chapter 11 cases, in light of the level of existing debt expected to be released under any plan, the company does not believe there will be sufficient creditor support for a plan that contemplates any recovery for equity interests.

"It is therefore not expected at this time that any plan will provide any recovery for holders of Cineworld's existing equity interests."

The worrying news comes after a new IMAX and 4DX extension finally opened at its Ashford site on Eureka Leisure Park last year.

Work on the long-awaited upgrade began in March 2020, five years after the plans were approved, but Covid lockdowns delayed the construction.

The 4DX screen is the only one in Kent and offers a rollercoaster-like experience where seats shake and water is sprayed on film-goers.