AN outbreak of the winter diarrhoea and vomiting bug, norovirus is restricting visiting at a Worcestershire hospital.

Three wards at the Alexandra Hospital, in Redditch, have been closed to visitors except for exceptional circumstances.

Worcestershire Acute Hospitals Trust, which runs the Alexandra, has put the restrictions in place to try and stop the bug from spreading.

Other wards at the Alex, along with those at Worcestershire Royal and Kidderminster hospitals, remain open, however the acute trust is asking visitors to be “responsible” to protect patients and staff.

It is warning that anyone who has experienced diarrhoea or vomiting in the last 48 hours, or has been in contact with anyone who has, should stay away.

Visiting is also currently limited to two people at a time and under 16s are being asked to stay away unless their visits are “essential”.