A NURSERY school has been closed after two children became the latest victims of an E. coli outbreak.

Parklands Nursery, in Coney Hall, Bromley, has been shut after two cases of the possibly fatal 0157 strain were confirmed by the Health Protection Agency (HPA).

It follows the closure of Hayes Primary School at Bromley where 38 cases of the bug are being investigated.

The HPA said one of the cases from the nursery had close connections with a pupil at Hayes Primary School.

Dr Rachel Heathcock, South East London Health Protection Unit Director, said: "E. coli can spread easily. By taking some simple precautions people can help reduce the risk of catching the infection.

"Careful and throrough hand washing with soap, especially before eating, after using the toilet and before and after handling food, is one of the most effective methods people can avoid acquiring the infection."

The nursery will stay closed until all staff and children have provided two negative samples.