An Garda Síochána is introducing new photographic technology which it is hoped will help in the investigation of crimes.

The new system will make it easier for witnesses to identify suspects.

The new facial recognition system is called Evo-Fit.

It differs from the previous system in place, using the recognition memory of a witness rather than recall memory.

Witnesses are shown a series of faces from a database and are asked to pick images that resemble the suspect they saw, based on gender, race and age.

That image is then evolved to the next stage, with the focus on the shape of the face and on the texture.

Dozens more images are then created before the witness is again asked to pick the best fits.

The process is repeated until an accurate picture of the suspect is "evolved".

This technology is already being used by 16 police services in the UK, where there has been an increase in the identification of suspects since it was introduced.