French Alps shooting: ‘No excuse’ for not finding little Zeena

FRENCH police face criticism for failing to find four-year-old Zeena al-Hilli hiding beside her murdered parents for eight hours.

Jim Fraser, professor of forensic science at Strathclyde University, said a desire to preserve the scene would be no excuse.

Zeena is being treated by a child psychologist in France following her ordeal.

Mr Fraser told The Scotsman: “I can’t talk about a live investigation, but the first duty of a first responder to a crime is to understand the nature of the crime scene and look after the health and welfare of any potential victims.

“That means that people who appear to be dead are medically certified as dead, and that an adequate examination of the scene is carried out. That would ensure there are no other people at the scene who do not appear to be present at the first examination.”

He added: “Whilst it is crucial that the scene is disturbed minimally, these duties over-ride that need.

“The welfare of victims is more important than preserving the scene for forensic examination.”