Undercover police work 'needs reform'

An undercover policeman whose actions led to the collapse of a trial of environmental protesters had "defied" management instructions, a report says.

HM Inspectorate of Constabulary reviewed the activities of Mark Kennedy and other undercover officers.

Its report found that Mr Kennedy, who infiltrated environmental groups, helped unearth "serious criminality".

Chief Inspector of Constabulary Sir Denis O'Connor said the need for officers to go undercover should "be calculated... it needs prior approval by the Office of Surveillance Commissioners."