POLICE have confirmed that a "potentially corrosive liquid" thrown into a Southampton school was in fact a soap or household cleaning agent.

A staff member and child of Springwell School were in the playground when a bottle of liquid was thrown over the fence.

Some of the liquid went into the staff member’s eye who received treatment in hospital, without any lasting injuries.

When officers seized the bottle for further testing, they found that the liquid was PH level 10, which is a slightly alkaline substance like soap or cleaner.

Although the child did not come into contact with the bottle or liquid, officers said they are concerned about the intent of the person who threw the bottle, and intended victims.

One parent Kayleigh Mac, whose son attends Springwell School, said: “It was horrific.

“I was trying to think who would throw a dangerous substance into a child’s play ground, I was dumbfounded.

She added: “However, had a staff member not been there at that moment, it scares me to think that a child with special needs could have got hold of the bottle.I’m just relieved it wasn’t more serious.”

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

They believe the site may have been targeted due to being a special educational needs school.

A spokesperson for Hampshire Constabulary said: “You’re right to wonder whether it was just someone throwing rubbish over the fence – or, it was a targeted incident, where someone has intentionally decanted a water bottle and filled it with another substance to either hurt or alarm someone.

“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 we are taking the incident very seriously.

"We will continue to work with staff at the wider Harefield School as well as those from the Springwell School sites and will be looking to speak with residents in Yeovil Chase about the incident whilst we attempt to identify those responsible.Please call 101 and quote 44190434854.

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