Budding crime investigators from a Surbiton primary school investigated the mysterious disappearance of a precious Chinese vase this month.

As part of their English curriculum, children from Christ Church Primary School took on the case after receiving a "distraught" letter from Kingston Museum, that told them their help was needed in the search for a lost vase belonging to the Qing dynasty.

Children searched for "clues" at the scene of the crime including footsteps, taking photos with iPads and bagging evidence such as a dropped lanyard and a mask wearing forensic gloves.

Surrey Comet:

Children bagged a mask they found as evidence

The following day the year 1 students received a tip off that led to the discovery of the priceless vase - in a wooden hut on the school’s grounds in Pine Gardens.

Surrey Comet:

A footprint was also recorded as part of the investigation 

After the investigation was closed, children made newspaper reports about the successfully solved case.

Surrey Comet:

A newspaper report children made after the investigation was completed 

A spokeswoman from the school told the Surrey Comet: "They have been so engaged, inspired and motivated by this that they excitedly told us that they themselves would be in a newspaper report.

"Please help to make this a reality."