Downing Street is fast-tracking a review of the law protecting householders who fight back against burglars.

The review of the defence of "reasonable force" came after Sir John Stevens, the Metropolitan Police commissioner, backed calls to strengthen the law.

Michael Howard has challenged Labour to back Tory MP Patrick Mercer's Householder Protection Bill, which seeks to allow victims to fight back in any way that is not grossly disproportionate.

The Conservative leader said: "If criminals break into people's houses and attack them, homeowners must be able to defend themselves."