A NURSERY has been closed after three children were hospitalised because of a diarrhoea outbreak.

The Health Protection Agency is investigating a number of possible causes for the outbreak at Cannock House Nursery, Hawstead Lane, Chelsfield - including E coli and salmonella.

It is also investigating whether there is more than one cause for the symptoms.

Joseph Smith, one of the youngsters who went to the Princess Royal University Hospital, Farnborough, had been ill since March 13 with stomach ache, cramps and diarrhoea and had lost a lot of weight.

The three-year-old was dehydrated when his mother Sarah, 31, called an ambulance on Sunday.

Mrs Smith, of Worlds End Lane, Green Street Green, said: "It is so distressing. "We have to put a brave face on the whole thing but the emotions running through me were dreadful."

Joseph was discharged from hospital on Sunday evening and his GP has confirmed he was suffering from salmonella.

Further cases of diarrhoea have also been identified as being related to the nursery.

Because of this children and staff have given samples to the agency for analysis.

Another parent, who did not want to be named, said: "I was quite surprised. "You think your child is going to be alright and when they say your child cannot go to nursery then you worry."

South East London Health Protection Unit director Dr Rachel Heathcock said: "As a precautionary measure the nursery was closed on Monday while tests to determine the cause of this infection are carried out.

"All the appropriate infection control procedures were immediately put into place to stop the spread of the infection.

"We are working closely with environmental health and trading standards at Bromley Council and the nursery to try and identify the source."

Nursery manager Janice Muraille said: "We are still waiting for the results to come through and there have been no definite results.

"We won't be reopening until we are given the say so by the Health Protection Agency."