The Streetwise warehouse includes a high street, park and house

The students, from Bournemouth University's forensic science courses, were due to carry out the exercise at Bournemouth's Streetwise centre.

The centre houses a life-size village built inside a converted warehouse.

A trail of crime scenes was to be placed throughout the building - which includes a two-storey house, shops, offices and a park - to test students.

There is also a railway track, an electricity sub station, a heath, a beach and a building site at the centre.

The building is usually used for safety education with youngsters, the elderly, families and home owners and is a registered charity supported by the local authority and emergency services.