Latest news with #forensics
BBC News
8 hours ago
- BBC News
Two arrests after gunshots fired at Birmingham property
Two people have been detained by police after gunshots were fired at a property in Birmingham. A 50-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life, said police. Emergency services were called to School Road, Billesley, at 01:30 BST on Midlands Police said its Major Crime Unit carried out an immediate investigation and inquiries were still ongoing. A cordon was put in place to allow forensic investigations, the force added. It said no one was hurt during the incident and inquiries were still being carried out, including a review of CCTV footage from around the area. The force said: "We know that incidents like this can be alarming, and our officers will remain in the area today to offer reassurance - please speak to them if you have any concerns." Follow BBC Birmingham on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Yahoo
Man in high vis jacket hunted after Post Office robbery
A man in a high-vis jacket is being hunted after an early morning robbery. Forensic officers were seen working at the Post Office in Bootle Strand yesterday as they investigated the raid which saw a "significant quantity of cash" taken. Merseyside Police confirmed it received reports at around 9.10am that a man had grabbed hold of a member of staff and demanded cash at the branch in the Strand Shopping Centre. The man is described as wearing a hi-vis orange jacket, grey trousers, a backpack and a baseball cap, with his face covered. He was reported to have left the scene on foot with a significant amount of cash in grey sacks before getting into the passenger side of a Ford Transit van parked on Jersey Street which then drove off. Officers attended and forensic examinations were carried out at the scene, as well as CCTV and witness enquiries. READ MORE: Ava White's murderer named for first time READ MORE: Mum and daughter, eight, found dead at home Detective Inspector Gavin Mulcahy said: "People working in the heart of our communities to provide a vital service, such as a Post Office, should be able to go about their jobs without fear of being subjected to an ordeal like this. "We have been carrying out a number of enquiries to establish exactly what happened and trace those responsible for this robbery. "This includes examination of CCTV footage and forensic enquiries, and we would be keen to hear from anyone who might have dashcam footage or CCTV in that area. "We also appeal for anyone who witnessed the incident itself or who saw the offenders acting suspiciously to get in touch.' Anyone with information on this incident should contact Merseyside Police social media desk via X @MerPolCC or on Facebook 'Merseyside Police Contact Centre'. You can also report information via our website: or call 101 quoting incident reference 25000502164. Alternatively, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111, or via their website here: In an emergency always call 999. For the latest news and breaking news visit Get all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you. Join the Liverpool ECHO Breaking News and Top Stories WhatsApp community to receive the latest news straight to your phone by clicking here. Don't miss the biggest and breaking stories by signing up to the Echo Daily newsletter here Try the Liverpool Echo Premium app and get the first month free
Daily Mail
9 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Forensic lab boss is suspended in scandal over contaminated DNA samples
The director of a state-run forensic testing lab has been suspended by Queensland government in the latest scandal over botched DNA sampling. It follows a pause in testing at Forensic Science Queensland sparked by the identification of contamination issues, Attorney-General Deb Frecklington said on Friday. 'This action was taken following advice I received today that (Forensic Science Queensland) was placing a general pause on routine DNA testing after contamination issues were identified,' she said. The pause will be reviewed after seven days as the lab determines next steps and laboratory director Dr Linzi Wilson-Wilde will be asked to explain why she should not be removed. Urgent matters will progress in a limited capacity with appropriate controls, Ms Frecklington said. Forensic Science Queensland was established in 2023 following multiple inquiries, one of which revealed a 'fundamentally flawed' automated DNA extraction method might have led to offenders potentially escaping conviction for nine years from 2007. Many samples went untested while others were incorrectly ruled insufficient, an earlier inquiry found. The inquiries also elicited characterisations of a 'toxic' culture at the state-run forensic lab. More than 40,000 samples fell within the scope of a historical review process, of which close to 10,000 had been reviewed as of May. Ms Wilson-Wilde was appointed director in September after serving as interim chief executive. Dr Wilson-Wilde was stepping into 'what will undoubtedly be a very challenging role', Ms Frecklington said at the time. Following news of the testing pause, Ms Frecklington moved to immediately suspend her, pending a show cause notice for removal. 'I want to assure Queenslanders the Crisafulli government remains firmly committed to fixing the long-standing issues at Forensic Science Queensland,' she said.
News.com.au
11 hours ago
- Health
- News.com.au
Queensland's forensic boss has been suspended over allegations DNA testing was contaminated
Queensland's top forensic scientist Linzi Wilson-Wilde has been immediately suspended over fears DNA tests have been contaminated. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington issued a statement late on Friday following advice she received that Forensic Science Queensland had paused testing after contamination issues were identified. 'I moved to immediately suspend, pending a show cause notice for removal, the Director of Forensic Science Queensland,' Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The organisation supports criminal and coronial investigations with forensic biology and chemistry services. Ms Frecklington said the forensic lab would pause operations for seven days, then carry out a review to determine the next steps. She said the government has been advised Forensic Science Queensland would still process urgent matters using appropriate controls.
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
More trouble for state's forensic service
Queensland's top forensic scientist Linzi Wilson-Wilde has been immediately suspended over fears DNA tests have been contaminated. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington issued a statement late on Friday following advice she received that Forensic Science Queensland had paused testing after contamination issues were identified. 'I moved to immediately suspend, pending a show cause notice for removal, the Director of Forensic Science Queensland,' Ms Frecklington said in a statement. The organisation supports criminal and coronial investigations with forensic biology and chemistry services. Ms Frecklington said the forensic lab would pause operations for seven days, then carry out a review to determine the next steps. She said the government has been advised Forensic Science Queensland would still process urgent matters using appropriate controls. More to come.
