STUDENTS at Swindon College were given an insight into the world of forensic science at a mocked-up car accident on the college premises earlier today.

Thirty-four pupils in their first and second years on the institution’s Forensic Science BTEC course spent between three and four hours investigating a black Renault Clio donated by the college’s mechanics department.

Course tutors had planted various items of fictional evidence in the car, including drugs, hair samples, fingerprints and saliva, which the students then used to piece together the facts of the crime and how the car came to be in situ.

Jo Hargreaves, course leader for Forensic Science, said: “They have a scenario that they have been given.

“A fictional man was drunk and on drugs, who then stole this car and crashed it. He is now in hospital.

“The students are taking forensic evidence to send off to the lab. They have phone numbers for various people, including the police, ambulance and fire service.

“They then use the information from these contacts and the evidence they collect to piece together the crime.”

This is the second time the college has attempted a mock crime scene, though the first time they have tried it on such a scale, with such detail.

There are plans for another, larger scene to be put together in January, though the finer details have not yet been nailed down.

“It’s good for them to get some practical experience of the workplaces they are planning on going into after college,” said Jo.

“They find it an engaging assessment and one which builds on their teamwork, which is something we wanted to work on between the two year groups.”

The investigation will be formally assessed and added to the student’s end-of-year marks, though they did not feel any more pressure than usual, following six weeks of study on the subject for the first years, according to their course leader.

Jo is hoping to develop a mentoring system between the older and younger pupils, with cross-year activities such as yesterday’s, crucial to enhancing the bond.

Bronwyn Williams, 19, is one of the first-year students who participated in today's investigation.

She said: “It’s helping to improve our ability to process a crime scene. It’s a surprise, because it’s been quite fun, as I was nervous to be honest.”

Finn Walsh, 16, another first-year student, said: “It’s a lot better than just reading about it in a classroom. We all want to do it, experience it and see it first-hand.

“The weather got in the way a little, but it adds more realism and an extra challenge.”