'Murder' is solved by pupils.

YOUNG scientists put their forensic skills to the test as they attempted to solve a "murder" at Newcastle University.

Using their analytical skills, 11 to 13-year-olds from schools across the region investigated a range of chemical evidence to find out whodunit at a special event.

The interactive workshop was held at the university's School of Chemistry and formed part of this year's Salter's Festival of Chemistry. Organiser Dr Ian Edwards, from the School of Chemistry, said the aim of the day was to introduce young people to some of the practical applications of the subject. He said: "The day was a really fun way of showing these young people that there's more to chemistry than a Bunsen burner." Supported by the Royal Society of Chemistry, the day was run as a competition between the participating schools. The schools involved in the challenge included Ryton Comprehensive School, in Gateshead, John Spence High School, in North Shields, St Cuthbert's RC High, in Newcastle, and Bothal Middle School, in Northumberland.

During the morning the teams took part in the murder mystery and in the afternoon they faced an electrochemical challenge..