A NEW rapid response forensic investigation unit has been launched by Greater Manchester Police to help secure crucial evidence within the first couple of hours of a crime being reported.

The Forensic Response Unit (FRU) is a central force resource which can be used to support policing operations and critical incidents.

It consists of six scene of crime officers and four new customised vehicles designed to carry all the equipment needed for gathering forensic evidence.

The new service accompanies officers when they are called out to a crime to secure vital evidence.

They can provide around-the-clock support and be called on by local police to patrol with officers in crime hotspots and at times when offences are being committed.

The FRU is currently supporting Operation Guardian which is using a wide range of intelligence gathering, enforcement operations and crime reduction advice to tackle burglary.

Nigel Kelly who manages the FRU said: “Time is a critical factor when gathering sound forensic evidence that will stand up in court and lead to an offender being convicted.

“This new rapid response unit supplements the work of divisionally based scene of crime officers and helps us capture evidence in the “golden hour” immediately following a crime report.”