THE number of people affected by a salmonella outbreak at a Balloch restaurant may rise as health chiefs continue their investigations.

As many as 20 are feared to have contracted the infection after eating at the Princess Rose in the Loch Lomondside town, as reported in later editions of yesterday's Evening Times.

But medical chiefs have urged anyone who has recently eaten there and who has suffered symptoms to seek treatment.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and West Dunbartonshire Council revealed yesterday there were eight confirmed and 12 suspected cases of salmonella linked with the restaurant.

It was closed last week pending further investigation and a sign in the window said it was infested with cockroaches.

Dr Syed Ahmed, Consultant in Public Health, said: "We are working closely with West Dunbartonshire Council, Argyll and Bute Council and NHS Highland to identify any other potential cases.

"If anyone has visited the Princess Rose Restaurant in Balloch and feels unwell they should contact their GP or NHS24."

The restaurant has been operating in the town for 18 years and diners have included Rangers boss Walter Smith, golfer Justin Rose and TV commentator Peter Alliss.

Owner Evan Chow said the restaurant - which has a dining area and takeaway facility - had been running without incident until last week.

Salmonella is a bacterial infection which causes diarrhoea, fever or abdominal cramps. The symptoms usually resolve themselves in seven days.