Terror informants face lie-detector tests in fears over quality of tip-offs

 Counter-terrorism informants passing intelligence to Scotland Yard are being given lie-detector tests for the first time, according to reports.

Detectives have started the scheme amid fears about the quality of intelligence they are being given.

The discreet operation got the go-ahead in an attempt to limit lies and misinformation, the Sunday Times reported. Many police informants are figures operating in the criminal underworld themselves, who are not considered trustworthy.

Intelligence handling by the police and MI5 has been under scrutiny after Britain endured four deadly terrorist attacks in the past four months.

Salman Abedi, who blew himself up at an Ariana Grande concert at the Manchester Arena in May, had been repeatedly reported to the authorities for his extremist views, according to friends and family.

Amber Rudd, the Home Secretary, has appointed David Anderson QC, the former official reviewer of the terrorism laws, to carry out an internal review of the handling of the recent terror attacks, including how intelligence was treated.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said: “We are not prepared to discuss this.”