HORDES of wannabe detectives have jumped at the chance to help investigate some of West Yorkshire’s grisliest crimes.

As reported last Wednesday, West Yorkshire Police have offered unpaid volunteers the opportunity to join the homicide and major enquiry team (HMET) for the first time.

Since then, more than 600 people have registered an interest and the force is now having to stage two extra seminars to cater for the demand.

Det Chf Supt Max McLean, who heads up HMET, said: “The response has been incredible.”

He added: “The response to this principle of volunteering is a fantastic indication of the strong communities that we have in West Yorkshire.”

HMET investigates murders, serious sex crimes and other high-profile offences.

Volunteers would be responsible for tasks including house-to-house enquiries and gathering evidence.

The four seminars being held at 7pm next Monday and Thursday and the following two Mondays.

They will be held in the lecture theatre at Bishopgarth Training School, at Westfield Road in Wakefield.

To register, visit www.policevolunteers.co.uk