BRITAIN exploded at both ends last night as the latest gastric superbug lit up the nation's bathrooms.
With the norovirus outbreak spreading rapidly, families witnessed thrilling displays of anal pyrotechnics as close relatives soiled themselves with little or no warning.
And across the country fans of the virus have been gathering outside bathroom windows to listen to the desperate grunting of their pitiful neighbours.
The outbreak has infected people from all walks of life, including the Princess Royal, who tried to blame a horse for what one source described as a 'back-end catastrophe' on the passenger seat of her Subaru.
Meanwhile Douglas Alexander, the international development secretary, was forced to cancel a series of engagements following a 'departmental incident' in Whitehall.
His spokesman said: "The secretary of state had only just finished wiping all the sick off his desk when he comprehensively shat himself.
"It actually lifted him off his seat. The people in the next room thought someone was deflating a space-hopper."
NHS 24 is advising norovirus sufferers to dig a big hole in the garden and sit in it until they have emptied themselves.
Professor Bill McKay, head of vomiting and diarrhoea at the Stomach Foundation, said: "Norovirus is an acute gastric condition caused by… oh Jesus Christ, these are my good chinos."
Doctors stressed that sufferers must avoid GP surgeries 'at all cost' and should stay at home for two days after the symptoms have gone, due to the high risk of a lingering, malodorous wind.
Dr Tom Logan, a family GP from Lincoln, said: "Norovirus is it? Get out of my office at once, you collosal bag of shit!"