Crime scene police 'tweet-a-thon'

Forensic investigators were today tweeting live from crime scenes in a bid to "dispel a few myths" about criminal investigations, police said.

The initiative, involving forensic scene investigators (FSIs) from West Midlands Police, is a UK first.

A force spokesman said Twitter updates would include forensic facts, photographs of equipment and advice for the public on how to preserve evidence.

The "tweet-a-thon" will reach more than 8,000 people who follow police in the west and centre of Birmingham on the micro-blogging site.

Forensic scene manager Helen Evans said: "We hope that we can captivate followers with our tweets and share some of the work that is undertaken on a daily basis.

"Most people seem to think that the role is similar in nature to CSI or other American TV dramas, so hopefully we can dispel a few myths while also showing how varied and challenging the role of a real forensic scene investigator can be."

Tweets on the @brumpolice account cover Birmingham city centre, Perry Barr, Oscott, Ladywood, Handsworth, Lozells, Nechells, Aston and Soho.

PA