West Midlands Police forensic team in the spotlight as hit TV show returns tonight - here's everything you need to know

The work of the force's highly-skilled officers and staff in cracking cases - from a child murder to sex attacks - will feature in Forensics: The Real CSI, which returns on BBC Two tonight (Sunday).

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A camera crew has been behind the scenes with police again to follow serious crime investigations, in real time, and show how forensic science can help bring criminals to justice in often harrowing cases.

The first episode will look at the role forensics played as police investigated the tragic death of 12-year-old Leo Ross - who was stabbed to death while walking from school in Hall Green last year. 

A 15-year-old boy was recently jailed for the killing.

The rest of the five-part series will also look at how teams combine technology, techniques and investigative skills to find those responsible for sex attacks against children, rape, a violent attack on a teenage boy and an organised crime gang which broke into cash machines.

The episodes are due to air every Sunday at 9pm on BBC2 and will then be available on BBC iPlayer.

This is the fifth time officers from West Midlands Police have featured on the programme which has previously won a Royal Television Society award for the best Factual and Specialist Factual show.

Service Director for Forensics, Michelle Painter, said: "This is an opportunity to again show the expertise of our staff in helping to solve some of the most serious crimes we deal with as a police force.

"The role of forensics is crucial in some of the most difficult, and harrowing, investigations. It can be the finest of details which provides the critical evidence which enables detectives to catch whoever is responsible and bring them to justice.”

A force spokesperson said: "As a police force we never underestimate the impact of serious crime on our communities - and especially the loss of a loved one in tragic and violent circumstances. 

"We’ve worked with producers so those who’ve been affected by the cases covered are aware of this series.

"Our intention has never been to sensationalise, but to show the realities of what our staff are faced with and their commitment to help solve serious crimes."