S. typhimurium - one of the 2,500 types of Salmonella

Derwentside District Council has closed down Robson's Fresh Foods in Stanley after eight people were struck down with salmonella.

A further six people may have the bug and the public is being urged to throw out any meat bought from the store.

Dr Deb Wilson, of the outbreak team, said symptoms include severe diarrhoea.

'One possible link'

She said: "Investigations are continuing into the possible source of the infection and links between cases.

"So far we have identified one possible link between Robson's Fresh Foods in Stanley and meat products.

"No other outlets have as yet been identified, but investigations are on-going."

Dr Wilson said the owner of Robson's was co-operating fully with the local council and had been closed after an emergency prohibition notice was served.

Severe diarrhoea

She added: "Our advice to the public, as a precautionary measure, is to throw away any meat products which were purchased from Robson's Fresh Foods."

Symptoms include severe diarrhoea, abdominal pain, headaches, nausea, vomiting and fever.

Salmonella usually occurs through eating contaminated food, usually of animal origin or through close contact with an infected person.

The outbreak is being investigated by Derwentside Primary Care Trust, and the Health Protection Agency.