Child spies are being used by police and security services in operations against terrorists, gangs and drug dealers, the Home Office says

The use of children to infiltrate gangs has been criticised by a House of Lords Committee. Particular concern was expressed for the welfare of youngsters employed in this way.

Lord Trefgarne, Chairman of the Secondary Legislation Scrutiny Committee, has written to Ben Wallace MP, Minister of State for Security and Economic Crime at the Home Office, stating his reservations.

“We are concerned that enabling a young person to participate in covert activity for an extended period of time may expose them to increased risks to their mental and physical welfare,” the letter says.

He sought specific clarification that sufficient safeguards had been put in place to monitor the children’s welfare.

“I cannot hide from you the Committee’s considerable anxiety concerning the principle of employing young people–sometimes very young people–in this way,” he says.