North Yorkshire motorists were urged to keep off the roads today to avoid disruption because of the foot and mouth crisis.

Police today warned that some roads in Malham and Settle would be closed as animals were slaughtered and carcasses removed from infected sites.

Six more cases of the virus were confirmed in the area over the weekend, including infected sheep at Haughfield Farm in Coniston Cold near Skipton.

Animals will also be slaughtered at Viewley Hill Farm, High Worsall and a suspected infection at Far Cappleside, Rathmell, has been confirmed.

Animals owned by Aigden Farm, Wigglesworth, but kept at Springfield Farm, Scaleber, have also been diagnosed with the virus and more than 1,000 sheep will be slaughtered at Home Farm, Halton West, bringing the total number of cases in the Settle area to 15.

A spokesman for the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food said investigations into the source were continuing.

A spokesman for North Yorkshire Police said: "There will be diversions operating and they will be signposted.

"However, we are asking people to ease the job at hand for ourselves and MAFF by not being in the area today as there could be severe disruption to the roads."