Somerset school shuts over mass vomiting

The school closed on Thursday with staff and pupils hit by illness

Widespread sickness has led to a state boarding school having to be temporarily closed.

The BBC understands 70 pupils and staff members at Brymore Academy in Bridgwater, Somerset, are currently suffering with vomiting and gastroenteritis deemed to be "highly infectious".

The school closed on Thursday and remains shut with a spokesperson saying the decision was made to "safeguard the health and wellbeing" of the school community.

The exact cause of the outbreak is currently unknown.

Nicola Mould, the CFO of the Bridgwater & Taunton College Trust which runs the school, said in a statement the trust is working closely with Public Health England and following its guidance regarding the outbreak.

"During the closure period, the premises will undergo a thorough deep clean to reduce any further risk," she said.

Parents and carers of pupils who are ill are being urged to "maintain strict hygiene practices" at home and keep children off school for 48 hours after all symptoms have gone.

"We will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates regarding reopening as soon as possible," Ms Mould said.

"Our priority remains the safety of our students, staff, and wider community."