SUPER sleuth children put their detective skills to the test to solve a murder.

But rather than revealing a real-life murderer and crime scene, the perceptive youngsters were taking part in an educational event to teach them about the finer points of forensic science.

The event was organised by Towneley Park City Learning Centre, Burnley. Its aim was to fuel students' interest in science by using the latest technology.

Five secondary schools were connected by a video link to test online video conferencing and web casting.

Pupils from Towneley High School, St Theodore's RC High School and Barden High School, all in Burnley, and Park High, Colne and Edge End High School, Nelson, adopted their best Sherlock Holmes impressions to take part.

It was all elementary as they picked out the culprit after a morning of analysis.

The students also watched a short murder mystery play, No Place To Hide, and listened to an internet lecture.

They were able to use video conferencing to seek the help of Dr Peter Weardon of the University of Central Lancashire and conducted experiments, recording the evidence, in their hunt for the "killer".

Their investigations included matching fingerprints, separating ink from various pens to identify which was used to write a note and comparing blood groups and DNA profiles of the suspects with blood and hair found at the scene.

Soil samples were also tested and microscopy used to match fibres.

Questions were also asked about the four suspects and the evidence discussed on its relevance, importance and whether further investigations were needed before the youngsters chose who they thought the murderer was.

City Learning Centre manager Paul Matty said: "It was extremely successful. The students all showed extreme motivation and interest in it. We are going to extend this now."

Pictured are Kirstin Dawson, 13, and Santina Tamburro, 13, from Park High School, Colne as they look for clues.