Runcorn set to become DNA hub

Runcorn in Cheshire is set to become one of the UK's two key sites for handling and processing vital DNA evidence in criminal court cases.

London-based company LGC is to invest more than £1m on two new machines at its Criminal Justice Pace (Police and Criminal Evidence) DNA laboratory at The Heath business park. The investment will double capacity at the facility, enabling it to handle around 250,000 DNA samples a year - about 50% of the UK's current requirements.

The firm established a Runcorn operation in 1998 and opened a forensics laboratory in 2001.

LGC also provides paternity and familial DNA testing at other sites in its 21-strong portfolio of labs and centres across Europe and India.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "the investment supports our increasing presence in the north west and will allow us to serve the needs of local constabularies and law enforcement professionals more effectively than ever."