GROUNDBREAKING forensic technology using gold particles to identify drugs and gunshot residue is being developed by academics in Lancashire.

The University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) innovation enables the identification of a substance or fraudulent document immediately.

Experts are hoping to make the technology available as a hand-held device, enabling forensic scientists to take the equipment to the scene.

They said the process would save police time as it meant that they would no longer have to wait weeks for results to be processed using traditional forensic examination techniques.

The scheme was revealed as academics addressed the third annual Crime Solutions conference, a network of organisations which aim to reduce the impact of criminal activity on society.

Forensic scientists at the Preston-based university have been using Raman Spectroscopy - the process of shining light on a substance to establish its molecular identity.

Coupled with gold nanoparticles, the molecules interact, which act as a magnifying glass to help scientists identify the substance.

Angela Aguirreburualde, of the research and knowledge transfer unit at UCLAN, said the light reflection technology could be a procedure used by police in the future.

Speaking after the conference she said the technique could be used in fraud detection, identifying drugs and other substances such as gunshot residue.

She said: "I don't know of any police forces who are using the technology at this stage but it is something that is available to them."

The conference, held at Farington Lodge, Leyland, also heard from James Pinder from the North West Fraud Forum.

He said over half fraud committed in this country happened in the North West and of that figure around 40 per cent of the crime was committed in Lancashire.

The solicitor told the conference he didn't know why the figure was so high but said the population and demographics of the North West could be a contributing factor.