The Metropolitan Police have today issued an apology to seven women who were in long term relationships with undercover police officers without their knowledge. 

The case was settled out of court after the women began legal proceedings against the police, speaking of their emotional trauma and pain that occurred as a result of the deceit.

Martin Hewlett, an assistant Commissioner at the Met made a statement: 

 'Thanks in large part to the courage and tenacity of these women in bringing these matters to light it has become apparent that some officers, acting undercover whilst seeking to infiltrate protest groups, entered into long-term intimate sexual relationships with women which were abusive, deceitful, manipulative and wrong.

Officer Bob Lambert and 'Jacqui', who became pregnant with his child. (Source: The Mirror)

 I acknowledge that these relationships were a violation of the women’s human rights, an abuse of police power and caused significant trauma. I unreservedly apologise on behalf of the Metropolitan police service. I am aware that money alone cannot compensate the loss of time, their hurt or the feelings of abuse caused by these relationships.”

The women affected pointed to a wider problem of institutional sexism in the police force in general according to The Guardian.

One woman known as Lisa Jones was in a relationship with officer Mark Kennedy for six years before his lies were exposed.

The BBC reports that in each case the officer in question disappeared, leaving the women at a loss to what had become of them and the relationship.