PENSIONERS living in a Worcester sheltered housing scheme have been struck down by a mystery illness.

Residents at Cherwell Close, in Tolladine, have been affected by an illness that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

The outbreak is being investigated by the Public Health Network at South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust.

Officials suspect the illness is a viral infection but say more will be known when the results of tests are available. Residents have been given advice by officials about how to control further outbreaks.

One resident, widow Joyce Taylor, said people started to feel ill last Saturday.

"They've gone to hospital after having really bad sickness and diarrhoea," said the 62-year-old grandmother.

"It's really worrying when it's elderly people feeling so bad. I think it might be food poisoning but it's in the hands of the health people now."

Worcester City Council's environmental health department said it was aware of the outbreak.

A spokeswoman said it had provided equipment, but the main investigation was being dealt with by infection control nurses.

South Worcestershire Primary Care Trust said eight out of 53 residents had been affected.

"I've spoken to members of the Communicable Disease Control team and they say that there are eight people affected in the 53 unit sheltered housing complex, with a suspected viral infection causing vomiting and diarrhoea," a spokeswoman said.

"The illness seems to last 24-48 hours before recovery and is self-limiting.

"This pattern would fit with one of the common viral causes of diarrhoea but more will be known when the results of tests are available. The team has visited Cherwell Close and advice has been given on control measures."