Teams that sweep crime scenes for DNA or fingerprints have been cut by 18 per cent since 2010, threatening the effectiveness of the fight against crime, according to a report by Unison, the union which represents many forensics staff.

The union’s survey suggests some forces have seen scientific services staff, which include the likes of footwear experts and lab staff, chopped by 40 per cent since 2010. Leicestershire police was found to have 50 scientific services staff against 86 in 2010, while Northumbria was down from 76 to 52.

Ben Priestley, Unison’s national officer on justice, said: “Staff are experiencing huge frustration that they are unable to do their jobs properly.” One respondent said: “Job cuts caused a change in shift patterns which ultimately meant we miss many jobs after 6pm.”