A Norovirus outbreak in two Exeter schools has seen 45 pupils sent home with the severe vomiting bug.

Westclyst and Broadclyst Primary School saw the bug spread through its pupils, with parents claiming children were leaving school carrying sick buckets.

One parent said it was "like something from a horror film" when she went to collect her four-year-old son at the end of the day.

Westclyst and Broadclyst Schools are working with Public Health England to manage the outbreak in Devon.

It's understood more schools in the area have also been affected.

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Westclyst and Broadclyst schools in Exeter have been affected

The headmaster of both schools is taking guidance from Public Health England

Another parent added: "My son has literally just started at the school and it's only his second week.

"Yesterday afternoon the parents estimated there was around 70 off ill.

"The school was asking kids to wash their hands, but the NHS website says that doesn't kill the bug.

"My son doesn't have it but I am keeping him off school because we can't risk having norovirus."

Headmaster of both schools Jonathan Bishop said: "In terms of numbers, Westclyst has had five out of 105 children off.

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"At Broadclyst, there is probably 40 off. Particularly one year group has been affected. We do have across the two schools near to 600 children."

The outbreak began at the school on Monday morning, with some pupils having reportedly fallen ill across the weekend at home.

Head Mr Bishop added: "Monday morning we had one or two not coming to school because they were ill.

"Yesterday we came to school and we had quite a flurry of people falling sick and we sent them home."

He confirmed the school has been taking continual guidance from Public Health England and sent children home and contacted parents at the first sign of illness.

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is the most common stomach bug in the UK, affecting people of all ages.

The bug is highly contagious (
Image:
Science Photo Library RF)

The virus, which is highly contagious, causes vomiting and diarrhoea, but normally does not last more than two days.

It can spread rapidly through schools and workplaces, and leads to ward closures in hospitals.

Norovirus can happen at any time, but outbreaks are more common in colder weather.

Germs live longer outside the body in winter, so they spread more easily.

Devon Council and Public Health England have been approached for a comment.