E.coli link to 11 with food poisoning

There are 11 people in the UK with food poisoning apparently linked to a toxic E.coli outbreak, the Health Protection Agency said.

Eight have bloody diarrhoea and three are being treated for haemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) - a deadly complication of E.coli.

All are from or have visited northern Germany, where experts are working to try to find the source of the outbreak.

Globally, more than 1800 people have been infected so far, and 18 people have died.

Experts there said yesterday there were signs that the infection could be slowing, but have warned more cases will arise.

The outbreak is thought to be the deadliest in recent world history, and is one of the biggest.

Scientists believe salad vegetables and leaves may be to blame, although the World Health Organisation (WHO) says the origin "of the outbreak still remains unknown".