FOUR teenagers have been arrested after a break-in at a Hampshire special school - the fourth attack in a few weeks.

Staff at St Francis School in Fareham stepped up security after damage caused by vandals topped the £1,000 mark.

During the latest attack, on Sunday night, police caught two 17-year-old males who had leapt over a school fence and ran off down The Avenue.

They also arrested another 17-year-old and a 16-year-old boy on the school premises in Oldbury Way.

A potting shed had been broken into, two panes of glass broken and a bin set on fire.

Deputy head teacher Simon Harmer said: "The police have been wonderful in putting in a camera so they can see who is coming into the grounds at night.

"We have had so many problems and we see it as a very positive step that some arrests have been made."

Cameras were installed and a security firm employed in a bid to curb the vandalism after playtimes were ruined for dozens of youngsters during three separate attacks by yobs.

Previous attacks on the school, which caters for nearly 100 two to 19-year-olds with special needs, have seen play equipment, toy cars, a play house and a climbing frame destroyed.

This is the first time a fire has been started - and firefighters in Fareham are planning community visits to warn youngsters of the dangers of fire.

The four, who all live in Fareham or Warsash, were arrested on suspicion of burglary.

They have been bailed until Saturday July 2 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information about the attacks should call 0845 045 4545 and ask for Fareham police station or call the anonymous Crimestoppers line on 0800 555 111.