FINAL test results are still awaited to confirm the source of an E-coli outbreak in part of the North-East.

Health experts continue to suspect the infection is linked to the Castle Bank butchers' shop, in Chester-le-Street, County Dur-ham.

The source of the outbreak, of the suspected E-coli O157 infection, is believed to have come from cold cooked meat products.

Dr Deb Wilson, who chairs the outbreak control team, said last night that the total number of confirmed cases was 11, with further suspected cases in the 12 days the illness arose.

None of the victims remain in hospital.

Dr Wilson said environmental health officers have worked closely with the shop staff and management, who have co-operated fully.

She said: "The shop reopened on July 8 with the full agreement of the outbreak control team, including environmental health officers, for the sale of raw meat products only.

"No cold cooked meat products are on sale.

"All cold cooked meat products within the shop have been incinerated as a precautionary measure.

"As the investigation is not yet complete, discussions are ongoing with environmental health officers to determine when the shop may begin to resume selling cold cooked meat products."

E-coli O157 causes a range of symptoms from mild diarrhoea to severe illness, which can lead to kidney damage.