TWO KFC restaurants in Worcester are thought to be closed after delivery problems meant they ran out of chicken.

Last week, the fried chicken chain switched its delivery contract to DHL, which blamed "operational issues" for the supply disruption.

Since then a number of its 900 stores, including the one at Elgar Retail Park, in Blackpole Road and Nunnery Way in Hornhill Road have been closed.

Readers posted their frustration on the Worcester News Facebook page.

Ian Parker said: "How can a chicken restaurant run out of chicken?

Wendy Hill said: "I went on Saturday they ran out of chicken off the bone and burgers too."

Peter Southwick added: "A lot of companies only stock the absolute minimum amount of food to save money, this is a business practice in all types of commercial business, not only food outlets.

"It comes unstuck of course when a few more than normal customers arrive in the shop.

"This is where the skill of the management team comes into play, judging the level of stock required, and obviously they can get it wrong. When they do get it right, the food is beautifully fresh."

KFC said the issues were down to "teething problems" and admitted it was unclear when the delivery problems would be rectified.

A spokesman said: "We’ve brought a new delivery partner onboard, but they’ve had a couple of teething problems – getting fresh chicken out to 900 restaurants across the country is pretty complex!

"We won’t compromise on quality, so no deliveries has meant some of our restaurants are closed, and others are operating a limited menu, or shortened hours.

"We know that this might have inconvenienced some of you over the last few days, and disappointed you when you wanted your fried chicken fix - we’re really sorry about that."

Hundreds of people posted messages of outrage on social media, after discovering that it had run out of chicken.

One customer described the situation as the "end of the world".

KFC has set up a web page where "fans" can find their nearest outlet that is still open.

To view the page, go to kfc.co.uk/crossed-the-road