Pubgoers of a popular Rayleigh spot were surprised to see their favourite pub was closed over the weekend.

Roebuck Wetherspoons in Rayleigh High Street was shut leaving regulars wondering what was happening.

The Echo contacted Wetherspoons for more information on the incident.

Wetherspoon spokesman Eddie Gershon said: “There was a suspected norovirus outbreak at the pub with some staff reporting unwell.

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“The pub was closed for 48 hours as a precautionary measure and the pub underwent a deep clean by a specialist hygiene agency.

“The pub reopened on Tuesday morning.”

Norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug, is a stomach condition that causes vomiting and diarrhoea.

It can be very unpleasant but usually goes away in about two days.