​Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton is asking people not to visit friends or relatives on its wards as a vomiting bug tightens its grip.

A statement from the hospital issued on Tuesday afternoon said there should be no family visits "apart from in the most extreme of circumstances".

The hospital's senior management says the situation is being made worse by people coming onto the premises despite having signs of the bug.

Medical Director Dr Cecil Blumgart said: “Like many hospitals and care homes across the region we are struggling with the winter vomiting bug norovirus. Nine of our wards have restrictions on them.

"Although we have asked people to act responsibly when visiting we know that some people have still attended even though they have had symptoms themselves, or been in contact with someone who has.

"To be blunt, members of the public are now bringing infection into the hospital.

"Earlier this year, we introduced a similar restriction on visiting which was very effective but since relaxing it, have again seen a rise in infections.”

The statement from the hospital added: "We appreciate that families like to visit their loved ones when they are in hospital and are aware of the benefits for patients, but it is currently more important to prevent patients catching this infection. We are asking the public to consider their responsibility to help us to do that.

"You should now only visit the hospital if you are collecting a friend or family member who is being discharged. If you feel that your visit is essential, please ring the ward sister before you leave home."

The hospital is advising people who are worried about their own symptoms to call their GP or NHS Direct.