A SOUTHAMPTON school is set to shut for two days after a flu outbreak.

Redbridge Community School will not open on Friday and on Monday after 24 members of its staff reported having flu-like symptoms.

School chiefs say one teacher has been admitted to hospital and diagnosed with influenza.

He has been treated with anti-viral drug, Tamiflu.

Twelve staff are reported to have called in sick on Thursday, and a further four sent home.

School chiefs say a "disproportionate" number of its 1000 pupils have also reported flu-like symptoms.

The news of the closure was sent to parents in an email from the school.

The statement said: "I am writing to give you notice that it is my intention to close Redbridge Community School for two days on Friday, January 2019 and Monday, January 21, due to an influenza outbreak at the school.

"Today, 12 staff members have called in poorly and another four have been sent home.

"We have also sent home a significant number of students today and 24 members of staff have flu-like symptoms.

"A teacher has been diagnosed in hospital with influenza and has been given Tamiflu."