SUPER sleuths at a Cheltenham primary school followed their noses to solve the Mystery of the Missing Trophy.
Youngsters at Glenfall Primary School in Charlton Kings took part in a CSI-style inquiry after the shiny silver cup was snatched from its plinth in the main hall.
In its place, a gloating message was left by the culprit, along with a number of clues.
Using fingerprint technology, DNA recognition techniques and clothes fibre analysis, the young detectives donned scenes of crimes outfits and gathered evidence to put together a rock solid case.
The pretend crime was organised by the police to teach the young detectives how police used science to solve real life crimes.
Beatrice Cook, 10, said: "I really enjoyed it. The evidence pointed to one person but we had to be sure."
Tamara Beeson, 10, said: "It made me want to be a detective one day and solve crimes."
Young Thomas Light, 10, added that it was great to see a real police car in the school car park.
Following exhaustive investigations, which included measuring footprints and checking fingerprints under the microscope, the finger of suspicion fell on teaching assistant Miss McNeil.
She was hauled in for an interrogation by the young crime fighters, before being cuffed and led away by police. She was later brought back so pupils knew she was not really under lock and key.
Tracey Uppal, science teacher at the school, said: "The day has been a roaring success. It was a great way to demonstrate links between science and the real world."
PCSO Steve Benbow, who organised the day, added: "I'm sure they got a lot out of it.
"And you never know – some of these youngsters could be police officers of the future."
