A POLICE probe is underway after a "potentially corrosive liquid" was lobbed into the playground of a special needs school in Southampton.

Police say the liquid, believed to be an alkaline-type substance, came out of the bottle and went into the eye of a staff member at Springwell School.

The bottle, described as a plastic water bottle, also missed a child who was in the playground with the staff member at the time.

The employee was taken to hospital for treatment, but did not suffer any lasting injuries.

Now officers have launched a probe into the incident, which took place at the school's temporary site in Yeovil Chase.

Police believe the site may have been targeted due to the school's specialism towards those with special educational needs.

Chief Inspector Phil Lamb said: “We understand this incident will be very concerning for staff, pupils and parents across Southampton.

"We know that Springwell School cares for children with Special Educational Needs and we are looking into whether this could have been the reason the premises was targeted.

"At this time, we do not have any evidence to suggest that, however it is a possibility and I want to reassure you that we are taking the incident very seriously.

"We are working with Springwell School and the wider Harefield School to identify those responsible and we have increased our patrols.

“We would like to hear from anyone who saw anything or anyone suspicious around Springwell School at the relevant time.”

The incident happened on Tuesday, December 3, between 10am and 10.15am.

Officers say they have seized the bottle of liquid for further testing.

Police say an initial assessment showed the liquid had a PH level of 10, making it a base substance - often thought of as the chemical opposite of an acid.

Pure water has a PH level of 7, with the strongest acids having a PH level of 1 and the strongest bases having a PH level of 14.

Anyone with information is asked to quote 44190434854.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers and leave information anonymously on 0800 555 111.