A GRISLY scene awaited pupils at Thomas Alleyne School in Stevenage.

Their school librarian was found sprawled on the sports hall floor with a bloody hammer lying nearby.

Thankfully, the “crime scene” was just a mock-up – and the victim, willing volunteer Katherine Sulch, was perfectly healthy.

The scene was set up to test the science and English skills of the Year 8 pupils. Coached and guided by police officers and teaching staff, the youngsters were given real-life policing roles such as crime scene manager, criminal psychologist, forensic examiner and interviewer in a bid to solve the crime.

The students were briefed by Stevenage youth crime reduction officer PC Paul Lawlor, PCSO Eva Leake and former scenes of crime officer PC Andy Keenan.

PC Lawlor said: “The crime scene investigation day was the brainchild of teacher Veronica Leahy and was a great way to bring the subjects of science and English to life.

“The students were very positive and the day proved that learning can certainly be fun.

“From a policing perspective, we were very happy to support the day as it sets the foundations for the students to engage positively with the Constabulary in the future.”

Veronica Leahy said: “The event really created a ‘buzz’ within the school. The Year 8s had been looking forward to this event and their enthusiasm on the day was certainly infectious.

“Students were using a range of transferable skills that they can now continue to apply in the classroom. Many students had the opportunity to take on roles as leaders and managers that previously they may not have done. It has really boosted the confidence of some students.”