A SOUTHAMPTON school was forced to close today after a lightning strike knocked out the fire alarm.

Tanners Brook Primary School in Elmes Drive texted parents to say that no lessons would take place today.

The school does not know if it will reopen tomorrow but pledged to keep parents informed.

Head teacher Rita Baker said: "We had a lightning strike at 6.15pm yesterday and the fire alarm panels were damaged.

"In the circumstances if wouldn't have been sensible to open the school today. The safety of our children is always of paramount importance.

"We have 535 pupils and families were sent a text warning them about the closure. Only five pupils turned up this morning."

It is not known if the lightning bolt struck the school but there are no visible signs of damage to the buildings.