FORENSIC Science students at Birkenhead Sixth Form College were given lessons in gun and knife crime during a visit by police firearms experts.

The presentation included a firearms role play which included information on how officers make weapons safe before forensically recovering the weapon.

The officers also drove an Armed Response Vehicle to the college campus to enable students to see at first hand the equipment they carried.

It was the second initiative delivered by police to the students in the last sixth months.

In November, they were invited to carry out a practical investigation of a car crime scene, during which students had to collect and forensically examine evidence acquired from a vehicle set up in the College’s car park.

Forensic science teacher Joanne Hartley-Metcalfe organised the initiatives with Merseyside Police to offer students a practical insight into the world of forensic science.

She said: "Forensic science is a fantastic course encompassing biology, chemistry and physics.

"However, the course we offer at the Sixth Form College also helps students to develop an understanding on the roles played by technicians and other professionals who work in the scientific world.

"The visit by Merseyside Police enabled our students to develop an understanding of how forensic science helps to beat crime in our area and may inspire students to follow a career within the police service."

The college is also celebrating the national success of a former forensic science student.

Chloe Walsh, 21, recently secured a first class degree in forensic science and criminal investigation from the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan), beat off tough competition from forensic scientists all over the country at the WorldSkills UK Skills finals at the NEC in Birmingham.