Ministers are proposing to jail the parents of child vandals as part of plans to force them to take responsibility for their children.

David Blunkett said the proposal would plug a loophole in the law that lets parents avoid liability for damage caused by their children under 10, the age at which it is assumed that a child cannot be criminally responsible.

"Key to tackling crime and antisocial behaviour is intervening at an early stage, encouraging parents to take their responsibilities seriously, keeping their children away from a life of crime," the home secretary said.

"My plan is to make the parents of young vandals compensate their victims."