A RULING barring police from keeping the DNA samples of innocent people is expected to change investigations in Lancashire.

A number of high-profile cases have been solved in recent years using the DNA database when traditional detective work proved fruitless.

Lancashire Constabulary called for new powers in 2007 – requesting permission to take DNA samples from suspects of non-imprisonable offences such as speeding and dropping litter.

The constabulary were one of only two out of the 43 forces in the country which made the call. Now, the European Court of Human Rights has ruled that two British men, who were not convicted of an offence, should not have had their DNA retained.

Lancashire police said they were not yet able to comment on any possible changes.

But Chris Sims, the Association of Chief Police Officers’ leader on forensics, said: “We will study this judgment carefully and consider in detail implications which could have a profound impact on the way in which the police service makes use of DNA technology to protect the public and tackle crime.”