A playgroup has been shut after an E.coli outbreak in Angus.

Health bosses said they are investigating linked cases of E.coli O157 affecting a "small number of children" in the region.

The playgroup, which has not been named by NHS Tayside, has been closed temporarily as a precautionary measure while investigations continue.

The health board's Health Protection Team has issued information to parents at the playgroup and an Angus primary school advising them of action to take if they have concerns about their child's health.

A helpline has also been set up, on 0800 028 2816.

The health board is examining possible sources and routes of transmission and said "necessary control measures" have been put in place to prevent the infection spreading.

Consultant in public health medicine, Dr Jackie Hyland, said: "NHS Tayside and Angus Council are together investigating a small number of linked cases of E.coli O157 infection. The risk to the general public remains low and those affected have received appropriate medical treatment and advice."

The latest infections come after three-year-old girl from Dunbartonshire died after contracting a deadly strain of E.coli.

She was among 20 people infected with the strain and following her death Food Standards Scotland (FSS) issued a precautionary recall of batches of Dunsyre Blue cheese.

Producers Errington Cheese, of Carnwath, South Lanarkshire, said in a statement on Tuesday there are pleased to see the FSS acknowledge "that there is no microbiological link been found between Dunsyre Blue" and that outbreak.

The statement added: "Our own detailed testing keeps us confident that all our cheese is safe to eat."