Guests at a hotel in a popular UK tourist town had to self-isolate in their rooms after a sickness bug spread to 28 people, according to reports. The Abbey Lawn Hotel in Torquay, Devon, carried out a full cleaning operation after the sickness bug spread among its occupants on the English Riviera coast.

Footage taken by one holidaymaker showed tea and coffee bags hung on the doors of those with symptoms and a friend of one of the guests confirmed that people were "having to self-isolate due to sickness".

However, the hotel insisted that the majority of its customers had not been affected and that "comprehensive action" was taken following the outbreak. "We would like to reassure guests and the wider community that swift and comprehensive action has been taken following recent reports of sickness at the Abbey Lawn Hotel," a spokesperson for hotel owner Daish's Holidays told DevonLive.

"None of the guests affected required medical support or hospitalisation. The situation was contained. The hotel has not been closed," they added.

"There have been no further reports of sickness in the last 24 hours. A full deep clean of the hotel has been carried out as part of our rigorous hygiene protocols, and we continue to follow strict health and safety measures, approved by Public Health England.

"We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness and care and look forward to continuing to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all guests."

The hotel company also confirmed that most of the people who had caught the bug had travelled on the same coach, arriving at the three star spot on March 30.

The other 84 guests were said to have been unaffected.

Symptoms of norovirus, also known as the vomiting bug, include feeling and being sick, a high temperature, headache, stomach pains and body aches. The virus usually only lasts for three to four days and can be treated at home by resting and staying hydrated.

The Express has contacted the Abbey Lawn Hotel for comment.