Scientists are now building up a database of text messages donated by volunteers to look at distinctive differences in style and language between individuals, which can be used to analyse anonymous messages from potential suspects.

The researchers have collected around 8,000 text messages from almost 1,000 members of the public…

"Pairs of text messages by the same author are going to be more alike. And where you get groups of people who text one another a lot, or pairs of people, their language becomes more similar. We're moving away from human-based expertise and opinion to a method which will make it easier to discuss things like error rates."