UK police apologize for using names of dead children to establish covert identities
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LONDON — Britain's top policeman has apologized for using the names of dead children to help establish false identities for undercover work.

A report published Tuesday revealed that the names of 42 dead children — born between 1940 and 1975 — had been used by police.

Metropolitan Police chief Bernard Hogan-Howe says he is sorry for the "shock and offense" the tactic caused.

The report indicates that security services may also have used names of the dead.

The report says that families have not been told because that would put undercover agents at risk.

Howe indicated at least one family had discovered their child's name had been used.