A CUTTING-EDGE automated forensic laboratory is to be officially launched in Runcorn next month by Halton MP Derek Twigg.

The facility will mean the company LGC will be able to handle half the demand for forensic sampling demand in the UK, thanks to the significant increase in analytical capability provided by the new facility.

LGC’s PACE DNA Laboratory, based at the Heath Business Park, will be opened at a ceremony on September 12.

The company has provided forensic science services for law enforcement agencies for more than 170 years.

The launch event will include a series of seminars about aspects of LGC’s DNA forensic work and invited guests will be taken on a tour of the facility.