Police chief backs Lush in ‘spy’ ads row

A POLICE chief has backed cosmetics chain Lush on its publicity campaign based on the “spy cops” furore.

The cosmetics firm has said it is highlighting the scandal of undercover officers forging intimate relationships with women in animal rights groups and denied it was anti-police.

Martyn Underhill, police commissioner for Dorset, where Lush is based, said the tactics the officers had used were “disproportionate and distasteful”, adding: “I do support Lush in exposing this issue.”

He also revealed for “transparency” that Lush owner Mark Constadine made donations to both his election campaigns.

A public inquiry into claims of wrongdoing by undercover officers was set up in 2015.