British police line up DNA technology to fight crime

REVOLUTIONARY DNA technology, which could catch thousands more criminals every year, is finally set to be cleared for use by police in Britain.

DNAboost, which allows scientists to unravel mixed and previously unusable genetic samples, was hailed for its crime-fighting potential by former prime minister Tony Blair in 2006.

Experts believe the software will identify up to 6,000 extra suspects annually, and could also help in cases such as that of missing Madeleine McCann — where forensic evidence appears to have been difficult to analyse.