SIX children staying at Essex University in Colchester over the summer are being kept in their rooms with suspected swine flu.

A spokesman for the university said: “Six of the 12 to 18-year-olds staying in South Courts at the university are exhibiting some symptoms of swine flu. They are being asked to stay in their rooms and are being looked after by the representatives they have with them as part of the summer study programme they are on.

“So far, we have had one suspected case of swine flu in our staff, but there could be undiagnosed cases.”

A temporary swine flu assessment ward has been created at Colchester General Hospital. The building, outside Gainsborough Wing, will be ready from today, but will not open until needed.