Three more reports of E. coli O157 infection possibly linked to this outbreak have been received by health officials, one of whom is in hospital.

The latest cases are known to have eaten products bought or supplied by Robinson’s butchers before control measures were introduced at the premises on 15 July.

This brings the total number of people affected to 15, of which six are in hospital.

Four of the people in hospital are children aged between 8 – 14 years. The other two people in hospital are adults.

Although a definite source has not yet been identified, many of the affected people are known to have eaten pre-cooked meats or savoury products bought or supplied by Robinson’s butcher and caterer who has shops in Wingate and Billingham.