New research to aid the fight against knife crime

An academic’s research may help to revolutionise the way violent crimes are solved.

Researchers at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) hope the microscopic analysis of knife marks on bones will allow scientists to match particular knives with specific crimes.

If developed further the research could be used to solve `cold case` murder inquiries where experts only have skeletal remains to work with.

Catherine Tennick, a PhD student in forensic science at the University of Central Lancashire, is undertaking the research. She said: “The cut marks that remain on bone allow viable forensic evidence to be preserved for a much longer time after death.

“This enables investigators to establish an indication of the type of weapon involved and will prove an investigative lead where few others may be available.”

Graham Gooch, a retired Detective Superintendent at Preston CID, who is now the course leader of police and criminal investigation at UCLan’s department of forensic and investigative science, has welcomed the research. He said: “Pathologists are very good at identifying weapons from soft tissue wounds on the body but that expertise is lacking when it comes to skeletal remains. Once you find a weapon you have to establish that it was used in a crime, so this research may provide essential evidence for investigators.”

He said a similar study into knife marks on bones was being carried out in America, and if successful, the combined research could lead to bone mark analysis being adopted by police forces across the globe.

The development could also lead to the creation of a database of knives` characteristic patterns that could be shared internationally.

Commenting on the initiative, he said: “Microscopic differences in a particular type of knife will allow scientists to match the bone mark to the specific weapon.

“The principles of the research could be adapted – with the use of CT scanning – to allow for the analysis of bone marks from non-life threatening stab wounds.

“We hope the research could be applied to future murder cases where investigators are unable to identify blades from soft tissue wounds.”

A spokesperson for the Forensic Science Service (FSS) said: “The FSS applauds the excellent work of the University of Central Lancashire in this latest advancement in the fight against crime.”