DNA review finds 26 new rape and murder suspects

More than 2,000 cases have been examined where scientists are suspected of mistakes in gathering DNA.

Police are reporting "enhanced results" in 26 cases of murder, rape or both which were re-analysed using super-sensitive forensic techniques.

In some, detectives now have full DNA profiles of the offenders. In others, they have a partial "genetic fingerprint" which could help them solve the case.

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The blunders came to light after police discovered last year that experts at the Forensic Science Service - an agency linked to the Home Office - had missed potentially vital clues during a Scotland Yard review of the murder of Rachel Nickell seven years ago.

Amid great secrecy, a review was launched into 2,180 cases where scientists are said to have used the wrong procedures when testing for microscopic traces of DNA.

More than 5,000 samples are being re-tested during the investigation, launched a year ago and due to finish in the spring.

The Crown Prosecution Service has already been alerted after fresh DNA - possibly identifying a new suspect - was found in a case which resulted in a man being convicted.

Police say it is too early to say whether the man, who is in prison, has been the victim of a miscarriage of justice. But as a precaution, the Criminal Cases Review Commission is being told.

The nationwide review, codenamed Operation Cube, has focused on murders and rapes subjected to 'Low Copy Number' DNA tests - involving very small samples - by the FSS between 2000 and 2005.

During this period, experts at the FSS used the wrong scientific techniques to "unlock" DNA from victims and crime scenes.

The FSS first became aware of potential problems involving Low Copy Number DNA tests in 2003, but did not alert police. It was only last year - after another agency found DNA in the Nickell case - that it owned up to the mistakes and a review was launched.

Tony Lake, chief constable of Lincolnshire and spokesman on forensic matters for the Association of Chief Police Officers, said it was initially believed there would be positive results in hundreds of cases.

So far, he added, there have been "enhanced results" in 26 cases and hopes are rising of further forensic breakthroughs before Operation Cube finishes.

Mr Lake, who is overseeing the review, said: "If we get new lines of inquiry which allow us to prosecute offenders or suspects, that has to be good news for the victims and the police service."

He said there is no evidence yet that anyone committed further serious offences as a result of DNA clues being missed by the FSS between 2000 and 2005.

The FSS, which is a Government owned company, is funding the costs of the forensic review.

The full extent of the scandal emerged after the Daily Mail revealed in January that an appalling blunder had been made in the Nickell case.

Detectives reinvestigating the case discovered last year that DNA evidence which could have identified her killer seven years ago was missed by FSS scientists.

As a result of the belated forensic breakthrough, a Broadmoor patient was charged last month with her murder on Wimbledon Common in 1992.