STUDENTS have been exploring methods of catching criminals in the University of Teesside's £40,000 Crime House.

Ten year ten pupils from Sacred Heart RC School, Redcar, searched for clues to staged crimes and collected fingerprints, footprints and other evidence.

They listened to talks and undertook practical challenges set by former crime scene investigators in the 16-room house which is monitored by security cameras.

The Crime House is the biggest and most elaborate facility of its kind in any university in the UK and is used to simulate crimes from break-ins to murders.

It also gives students the chance to develop their practical skills in realistic cond-itions.

"We were delighted to welcome the pupils to the Crime House as it is an ideal opportunity for them to see the reality behind popular TV programmes like CSI and Silent Witness," said Julie Mennell, of the university's school of science and technology.

"It will allow us to simulate any crime scene and crime scene examiners can be among the first ones there, so they need to know how to handle delicate situations and make sure vital evidence is not disturbed."

"The pupils enjoyed the challenges and also got a new understanding of how science is really used in everyday life."

The university uses the house to help those studying for degrees in crime scene science and applied science and forensic investigation.