HEREFORD cider-makers Bulmers has been named as the official source of the Legionnaire's disease outbreak in the city that has killed a pensioner and left 23 other people ill.

Test results yesterday confirmed the type of legionella bacterium found at the Plough Lane site, is scientifically consistent with samples taken from patients confirmed to have the disease.

Bulmers, which produces Strongbow and Woodpecker cider, was named as a possible source of the outbreak earlier this month.

Andy Tector, Herefordshire Council's head of environmental health, said: "We have spent many hours plotting these movements in detail.

"The findings of this exercise support the test results and point to Bulmers as being the source of the outbreak."

Bulmers' spokesman George Thomas added: "We express our sincere wishes that those affected by this outbreak make a full and speedy recovery.

"We also extend our condolences to the family and friends of the person now known to have died."

He said the cooling tower where the bug was found is still closed.