The fact that police are using children as spies in covert operations can only raise a number of concerns about child exploitation (Report, 20 July). There is a fine line between this practice and the police investigations into “county lines” which involve the use of children and vulnerable young people by drug dealers in their distribution systems.

Children and young people are particularly at risk from exploitation or entrapment in illegal activities because youth services, local charities and outreach services have been decimated. Lack of access to legitimate and challenging outdoor activities during weekends and holiday periods is leaving many young people bored and vulnerable to temptation. The involvement of police in introducing these impressionable young people to the criminal world as covert spies is both unsafe and poor practice. The county lines engagement of young people in drug distribution operates on the same principles and, in my opinion, both are high risk in terms of grooming young people for the world of crime.

Norma Hornby

Warrington, Cheshire

• The use of children in any sort of covert operation by the police and security agencies is not only reprehensible but also potentially places this country in breach of the UN convention on the rights of the child. The state not only has a duty of care to protect them, but also has a responsibility to act in the best interests of every child’s welfare and development.

Deploying them as spies in an attempt to snare alleged terrorists, gang members and drug dealers leaves them at high risk of both serious physical and mental harm. This deplorable practice has to stop with immediate effect.

James Keeley

Barrister, London



• Would you like to submit a photograph to be printed in the Guardian’s letters spread? If so, you can do so here

• Join the debate – email guardian.letters@theguardian.com

• Read more Guardian letters – click here to visit gu.com/letters