Digital scans to help solve crime

Analysing original fingerprints used to take up to seven days

An electronic system to help forensic experts identify and catch criminals faster has been launched by police.

High-tech scanning equipment could reduce the time it takes to analyse fingerprints and crime scene evidence from several days to a few hours.

By sending digital copies of the scanned images instead of delivering the original prints, Sussex Police hope to solve more crimes.

The police force hopes the new system will also free up officers' time.