Wards closed as virus strikes

A highly infectious virus has struck two Belfast hospitals forcing the closure of wards, it emerged today.

The virus, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea, has forced the City Hospital to close two wards.

Twenty patients in the hospital are understood to have contracted the bug.

A smaller number of patients in the Royal Hospital have also been struck down.

The virus is more commonly known as the winter vomiting disease. It is not considered life threatening.