New crime investigation laboratory opens in Dundee

A multi-million pound forensic laboratory providing many of the latest crime-fighting technologies has been opened in Dundee.

More than 100 specialists will be based at the building on the city's waterfront, which replaces the previously cramped conditions at Tayside police's headquarters.

Experts will investigate crimes across Scotland using the latest technology.

The laboratory will also be home to Scotland's DNA database.

Director of the Scottish Police Services Authority, Tom Nelson, said it represented a real step forward.

He said: "We have a number of new laboratories in the building here which will allow us to recover evidence from items we could never actually recover in the past.

"We've got new DNA facilities, we've got new contamination facilities as well, to make sure we're not in any way contaminating any crime scenes.

"So there's a wonderful opportunity here to really advance forensic science for the future."

The facilities are spread across five storeys of a purpose-built facility, with the latest technology at the scientists' fingertips.

Forensic science plays an ever-increasing role in fighting crime and the new laboratories will help ensure such evidence is carefully protected.

There is a laboratory for DNA and blood analysis and special areas for the examination of large items such as doors and vehicles.

Staff will also be able to use the latest techniques for the recovery of fingerprints.