BEACON Hill Academy has been forced to urgently close due to a norovirus outbreak.

The Sedgley school has closed to students and staff today (Monday, December 9) and will also be closed on Tuesday, December 10 and Wednesday, December 11.

The school will be deep cleaned over the next two days and it is expected to reopen on Thursday, December 12.

A message on the school's website states: "Beacon Hill Academy is experiencing high levels of staff and learner sickness. Following advice from Public Health England, we have therefore made the decision to close the academy with immediate effect.

"The academy will also be closed on Tuesday 10th and Wednesday 11th December 2019. This will allow two working days for the academy to be deep cleaned.

"As the incubation period for norovirus is 12 to 48 hours and the exclusion period is 48 to 72 hours, this means that further outbreaks should be prevented."

Parents have been advised to check the school's website for any further updates.

The High Arcal Drive School is the latest in a string of schools across the Black Country to be closed due to the bug, which causes vomiting and diarrhoea.