Sixteen people across Scotland have fallen ill in an E.coli breakout believed to be associated with eating blue cheese.

Health Protection Scotland (HPS) said it believed that several affected people had eaten Dunsyre Blue, manufactured by Lanarkshire-based Errington Cheese.

The people fell ill across Scotland between July 2 and July 16.

HPS said it had been working with Foods Standards Scotland (FSS), NHS boards and local authority environmental health teams to "investigate and manage" the outbreak.

Errington Cheese is carrying out a voluntary recall of suspected batches.

Dr Syed Ahmed, clinical director at HPS, said: "The majority of cases have consumed Dunsyre Blue while eating out, but members of the public who purchased Dunsyre Blue cheese between May 18 and July 29, and still have the product in their fridges, should return it to the retailer where they purchased the product or dispose of it.

"Symptoms associated with E. coli O157 can include stomach cramps, diarrhoea, vomiting and occasionally fever.

"Anyone developing symptoms, including bloody diarrhoea, or who is concerned about their symptoms, should contact their GP or telephone NHS 24 on 111 for advice.

"It is important to maintain good hand and food hygiene practices at all times as this reduces the risk of passing the infection to others."

A spokeswoman for Errington Cheese said the firm was fully cooperating with FSS and urgently reviewing procedures to identify any production issues.

Anyone who has purchased the cheese is advised to return it to the store where it was bought.