Previously only accessible to police professionals and invited guests, the exhibition will reveal the secrets of the Crime Museum, created by serving police officers since its establishment in 1875.

The exhibition brings visitors close to the objects and evidence from some of the UK’s most notorious crimes, including the Acid Bath Murderer of 1949 and the Great Train Robbery of 1963.

Also on display are the infamous masks (pictured) used by the Stratton Bothers – the first murderers to be prosecuted on fingerprint evidence.

It will also examine some of the challenges faced in policing the capital, tackling themes from terrorism and espionage to counterfeiting and narcotics.

Sharon Ament, director of the Museum of London, said: “Crime is an unfortunate by-product of big-city life, and a reality that Londoners are all too familiar with. Challenging and disturbing; familiar and unsettling, The Crime Museum Uncovered will use select objects from this extraordinary, hidden collection to consider the changing nature of crime and advances in detection over the last 140 years.

Visitors to the Museum of London will get access to highlights from the collection for six months only from 9 October to 10 April 2016 and will be accompanied by a programme of talks and events. Tickets available from £12.50 online; £15 on the door. Wednesdays only; tickets from £10.