More taken ill in E.coli outbreak

Seven more people have been taken ill in an outbreak of the E.coli bug in Leeds, bringing the total affected to 21, health officials have confirmed.

None of the new cases is believed to be life-threatening, but the number of victims is expected to rise again, the Health Protection Agency (HPA) said.

"E.coli has an incubation period of two to 14 days and we're now 13 days into this outbreak," said an HPA spokesman.

"We expect some more cases but hope it will start tailing off soon."

TODD'S OUTLETS IN LEEDS Kirkgate Cafe Stall, Kirkgate Market Todd's, Kirkgate Market Glens Discounts Stall, Kirkgate Market Stones, Harehills Lane Trotters Pork Butchers, Seacroft Spence Deli, Stanks Village Bakery, Broadway, Kirkstall P&G Goodall, Kippax High St Kilburns Deli, Belle Isle Parade Oxley's Butchers, Middleton RP Setchfield Butchers, Cross Gates The Old Bakehouse, Harehills Lane Roberts of Oakwood, Hollin Park Parade Standeven & Mathers, Westfield Road Franco's Unit, Gelder Road Grange Park Bakery, Roundhay RV Smith, Castleford

At least 12 of those affected have needed hospital treatment, including a five-year-old girl and an 82-year-old woman.

Samples from patients were being sent to the HPA's specialist laboratory in London for further testing.

Meanwhile, investigations were continuing at Todd's Pork and Beef Butchers in the Armley area of Leeds - the source of the outbreak of the potentially fatal O157 strain.

The public has been warned not to eat or feed to pets any cooked meats or meat products known to have come from the butchers.

The shop, which supplies 18 butchers, cafes and delicatessens in the area, has closed while investigations continue.

A Leeds City Council spokeswoman said: "Our environmental health officers are still working at the premises and following up leads from the new cases."