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Five students from Â鶹ƵµÀ Leicester (DMU) were on the case to help children track down a criminal mastermind.

The first and second years took part in a fun farm CSI (crime scene investigation) event to showcase forensic science to the public.

As well as enjoying the experience, the students say the event has benefited their studies and could even help their careers.

Students manned different investigation stations, including fingerprinting and paw print analysis as well as hair and fibre examinations, at the event in London's Stratford Shopping Centre. They put children's crime-solving abilities to the test to discover who had stolen the farmer's sausages!

The event coincided with the launch of Disney movie Zootropolis, in which a rookie bunny cop goes on the run with a fast-talking fox to uncover a conspiracy, and was organised by educational company .

DMU Forensic Science lecturer Leisa Nichols-Drew said the students were superb.

She said: "We showcased five or six activities and the public loved it. The students rose to the challenge and were a credit to DMU."

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Ms Nichols-Drew says it is the first time Forensic Science has used student volunteers, so it was a great networking opportunity.

"The experience was also good for students' confidence and presentation skills," she added.

To win their place, students had to answer three questions - why they wanted to take part, how to make it fun and why health and safety is important.

Twenty-year-old Robyn Brown, a second year Forensic Science student, was among those chosen to take part.

She said: "I wanted to show the public how important and interesting forensic science is.

"This was my first taste of work experience in relation to my course and I really enjoyed explaining how forensic science contributes to society.

"I've expressed my interest to Think Forensic about participating in more events, as I really think it will help towards my future career."

Fellow second year Stacey Atkinson, 19, said the experience enhanced her skills.

She said: "It was a unique opportunity to work alongside a company like Think Forensic and it's an area I want to go into when I graduate.

"I enjoyed showing the children the forensic techniques used to solve the crimes and I believe it will help with my studies and future career."

First year Zoe Parrott, 19, wanted to be part of an event inspiring children to do something she is interested in.

She said: "I was surprised how busy we were and the enthusiasm of the children was amazing. The whole experience really reiterated that forensics is something I am passionate about."