YOUNGSTERS became detectives to crack the mysterious case of four computers which vanished from their school.

When children arrived at Cockfield Primary School last Monday (March 23) they discovered the library window ajar and four laptops missing.

They examined the scene and found a series of clues, including signs of a disturbance, fingerprints and footprints.

A forensic laboratory was set up in an outdoor classroom and staff mugshots lined up until pupils interviewed and eliminated them from the investigation.

The clever classmates eventually deduced the laptops had not been stolen but borrowed by Sean Towers, a teacher at Staindrop School.

It turned out a window had mistakenly been left open, a cat got inside and made a mess and the fingerprints were left by someone who had been working with clay.

Headteacher Kathryn Heatherington said: “We came in early to stage the crime scene and the whole school, all 122 pupils, got involved in our forensics week, with the help of PCSO Lee Cowley.

“It was really good. They did a lot of independent learning, worked in teams, analysed evidence, used IT, studied handwriting and tried interview techniques.

“By the end of the week it turned out there had been no crime, Mr Towers came to pick up the laptops and a note he left, explaining and telling us a window had been left open, didn’t reach me.

“The forensics week incorporated all aspects of the curriculum and was good fun. Some children said it was their best week at school ever.”