SIX children at a West Hampstead primary have been struck down by swine flu, forcing the school to close its doors until Monday. Beckford Primary School is the second school in Camden to have to close because of the virus, first detected in Mexico in Apri

SIX children at a West Hampstead primary have been struck down by swine flu, forcing the school to close its doors until Monday.

Beckford Primary School is the second school in Camden to have to close because of the virus, first detected in Mexico in April, after South Hampstead High School shut for several days last month.

Two Year 7 boys at The Hall School in Belsize Park were also confirmed on Tuesday as having the virus after returning from a school trip to Normandy. It brings the London total to 176 cases with 1,461 people diagnosed across the UK.

A 38-year-old woman in Scotland, who was suffering underlying health problems, became the first in the country to die of the disease on Sunday.

Teachers and pupils at Garden Suburb Junior and Garden Suburb Infants School in Golders Green also reported flu-like symptoms today, prompting the closure of both schools for 24 hours.

Beckford parent-governor Rachel Zoldan said: "It was a shock for parents and there was obviously some concern especially for parents with babies. Worrying about the really little ones was the greatest fear."

Camden PCT recommended anyone with flu like symptoms who is concerned it might be swine flu to stay at home and call the swine flu information line on 0800 1 513 513 or your GP or NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.