200 British children fall ill after major sickness outbreak at French ski resort

At least 197 youngsters staying at the UCPA residence in Plagne 1800 in the Savoie region were reported to have developed gastroenteritis on Tuesday.

French media said the group included students from a British co-educational private school, as well as children from Canada, France and Belgium, by what has been described as an 'apocalyptic' outbreak.

It remains unclear how many British pupils were affected or what condition they are in.

At least five teachers and several staff members were also said to be suffering symptoms including vomiting and diarrhoea.

Children who became unwell were treated at the centre, with some reportedly put on IV drips as the hotel was turned into what witnesses described as a makeshift hospital ward.

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There are said to be 409 children and 30 adults staying at the site, which hosts school ski trips and summer camps.

Firefighters and doctors were sent to the scene on Wednesday morning.

Mayor Jean-Luc Boch said the incident appeared to be a “severe case of gastroenteritis spreading among the children”, adding that officials were waiting for guidance from the Regional Health Authority.

He said: “We'll have to make a decision, and we want to avoid a lockdown and the building's closure.”

A French teacher identified only as Steeve told Le Dauphiné it was not the first time pupils had fallen ill at the centre.

He continued: “Back in January, when we came, fifteen kids got sick during their stay. And now it's happening again. We're so frustrated!

“These are trips to the biggest resorts in the world that all these kids look forward to... Now, everything's ruined.”