Forensic science experts are using innovative DNA testing techniques to help police bring to justice the knifeman who stabbed Abigail Witchalls, paralysing her.

Home Office scientists have been drafted in to analyse evidence obtained by the 100-strong major crime team for traces of DNA. They will then "grow" under laboratory conditions anything they find on these swabs, including fragments of skin cells or minute traces of saliva. This is in an attempt to produce a large enough sample or genetic fingerprint which can then be matched against a potential suspect.