Students were taken through a range of activities including blood spatter pattern analysis, forensic dentistry and fingerprinting by police experts.

A forensic science workshop run by police experts was one of the highlights of a series of activities at Uxbridge College during National Science and Engineering Week.

Steve Gaskin and Bruce Grant took students through a range of activities including blood spatter pattern analysis, forensic dentistry, hair and fibre analysis, and fingerprinting.

Steve is a former Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector whose experience included running Drug Squad in South East and South West London, countering money laundering, and working in child protection.  He also worked on the Hyde Park bombing in 1982, and when he left the force qualified as a maths teacher.  Bruce is the former Head of Counter Terrorism Command, Forensics Section, for the UK.

The students who took part are studying for a BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Applied Science (Forensic Science) and A Levels.

Dr Alastair Mullins, Head of the Academy, Uxbridge College’s Sixth Form Centre, said: “This event was an inspiration to everyone involved – the staff enjoyed it almost as much as the students.  While the students already had relevant knowledge to make the most of the workshop, having experts like these was a unique opportunity for them to broaden their knowledge and see how exciting science can be.”

Steve Gaskin, Director of Right Angle Events, said: “I would applaud the students for their excellent contribution and achievements - and the fact that they all wrote up their notes even after the day had finished.  We also noted an excellent relationship between the staff, technical staff and the students and there is something to be learned from that by our company.”

Other events during the week included a paper bridge building competition, chess Olympics, and guest speakers from London Mathematical Society and the Royal Academy of Engineering.