A Hampshire school was evacuated today after a group of ex-pupils returned to the campus and let off smoke bombs.

The devices went off in corridors at Hounsdown Secondary School in Totton, triggering the smoke alarm.

All 1,200 pupils were evacuated while firefighters checked the premises.

Staff and students were allowed to return to their classrooms 15 minutes later after checks confirmed that the building was safe.

Headteacher Julie Turvey said she was “disappointed” at the incident.

She added that police had arrested several suspects in the Hounsdown area and were taking statements.

No one was hurt in the incident.