OXFORD University staff have said they are scared and confused about a reported E Coli outbreak in their water supply.

Some 500 staff at the university's Andrew Wiles building were told not to touch any of the water on Monday night because of a suspected E Coli infection.

Now another email has told the workers on Woodstock Road, Oxford, they can take a shower in the water but still should not drink it or use it in food preparation.

One member of staff who asked to remain anonymous told the Oxford Mail: "There are 500 people in this building and no one is giving us any information.

"No one knows whether to wash their hands: it is a huge inconvenience and I'm worried about my health."

E Coli is a bacteria that occurs naturally in human intestines, but some forms can cause food poisoning, kidney failure and even be fatal.

In a statement the University said initial tests had come back negative for the bacteria, but it was still taking precautions.

Spokesman Stuart Gillespie said: "Following specialist advice, we have revised the precautionary measures in place at the Radcliffe Humanities and Mathematical Institute buildings to enable staff to wash their hands, use showers and make hot drinks with boiled water.

"The use of bottled water for drinking remains in place – again as a precautionary measure – until further test results are received early next week.

"Initial test results have been encouraging and we will restore normal drinking water arrangements as soon as possible."