HEALTH officials have launched an investigation after 39 pupils from a Romsey school were taken ill during an education visit to the nearby Broadlands Estate.

Pupils from Romsey Primary School suffered bouts of diarrhoea and sickness during Tuesday’s trip.

One mum Laura Perry whose two daughters Aleaya and Keira fell ill on the visit said: “Aleaya was sick and Keira had a bad tummy. A lot of the children were really ill and were sat on the grass being sick. Some parents had to go to Broadlands to pick their children up.” Mrs Perry added that the children had eaten raw vegetables prior to falling ill about three hours later.

Romsey Primary School’s headteacher Jason Anderson said: “I can confirm that 39 of our 190 pupils on roll were taken ill with sickness and diarrhoea on Tuesday and are absent from school today (Wednesday).

“When I was made aware of the number of children that are unwell I took immediate action to advise Public Health England. They are acting swiftly to establish the cause of the illness and, in the meantime, we have followed their advice and asked parents to keep their children at home until they have been clear of any symptoms for 48 hours. This information has been shared with parents of those children who are currently well, so that they will take appropriate action should their child develop similar symptoms.”

He added:”While it is true that the children were taken ill on the same day of a whole school visit to Broadlands, at this stage and while Public Health England is investigating the cause, it would be wrong to assume or speculate that there is a link between the visit and this incidence of illness.”

The trip was organised by the charity Countryside Learning which helps children to experience farming, fishing, forestry and wildlife at first hand.

In a joint statement issued by the Broadlands Estate and Countryside Learning a spokesperson said: “Full risk assessments were carried out by all parties. A number of children were taken ill but at this time it has not been confirmed that any sickness was related to the visit. We will support Public Health England and the local authorities in their investigation. In the meantime, we wish the children a speedy recovery.”

Looking at the day’s activities, director of estates at Broadlands, Richard Jordon Baker said it was a shame the children were taken ill because they had a brilliant day otherwise.

He said: “We are thrilled to be involved in this brilliant project. Broadlands prides itself on being an important part of the community and what better way to demonstrate our commitment than invite youngsters to see what we do here.”