A BRADFORD primary school remains closed today after a number of staff and students became unwell. 

Hill Top C of E Primary School on Common Road, Low Moor, was forced to shut on Tuesday after a risk assessment "highlighted concerns regarding the well-being and safeguarding of children in school".

The decision to close was made due to a lack of staffing and a "significant amount of sickness of staff and children".

A spokesperson for the school said yesterday: "The school is currently closed as a precaution after a number of staff and pupils have become unwell.

"The school has taken advice and will undergo a thorough deep clean."

This morning, it was confirmed the school will remain closed today - with hopes that the setting might be able to reopen tomorrow.

The school spokesperson said: "After extensive discussions with the UK Health Security Agency Health Protection Team, Bradford Council and upon completing a detailed risk assessment, we have decided to close Hill Top C of E Primary School.

"Our primary aim is to ensure the health and safety of our children and staff.

"We hope that this closure will serve as a necessary circuit breaker and will reopen tomorrow."

Warning from public health boss

The closure comes as Bradford Council's public health team issued a warning to those who may be experiencing vomiting, diarrhoea or flu-like symptoms.

They have been asked to avoid visiting friends or relatives in hospital or residential and nursing homes.

Anyone unsure whether they are safe to visit these types of places should make a phone call first.

People with these symptoms who feel they need to visit their GP's surgery should also phone for advice first.

Rose Dunlop, interim director of public health at Bradford Council, said: "As we come into winter, we always see an increase in illnesses such as flu, norovirus, coughs and colds.

"If you become unwell with sickness or diarrhoea, it's important to drink plenty of fluids and stay off school or work until you've not been sick or had diarrhoea for at least two days.

"If someone in your household becomes unwell, clean toilet seats, flush handles, taps, surfaces and door handles every day, and wash any soiled clothing and bedding separately in hot water and avoid sharing towels and household utensils where possible.

"Good hand washing with soap and warm water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections especially during winter - always wash hands after visits to the toilet, and before preparing or eating food.

"Encourage children to wash their hands frequently and to use tissues when coughing or sneezing - and for younger children, take time to teach them how to wash their hands with soap and warm water.

"If you have vomiting or diarrhoea, or flu-like symptoms, don't visit friends or relatives in hospital or residential and nursing homes - ring them first.

"Avoid visiting your GP's surgery - it is much better to phone for advice first."