Hazel Blears has indicated the government's support for early intervention schemes designed to prevent the children of criminals becoming involved in a life of crime.

Speaking to the Independent newspaper on Monday, the policing minister said that vulnerable children could be "targeted" and "tracked" in a bid to ensure they do not follow their parents into a life of law breaking.

As part of a youth crime clampdown, the Home Office is reported to be considering measures to ensure that 125,000 children whose fathers are in prison do not follow them into jail.

The newspaper reported that the scheme aims to prevent the next generation of offenders becoming involved in crime.

Blears said that having a father in prison was "a huge risk factor".

"Something like 65 per cent of those kids will end up in prison themselves," she said.

"We need to track the children who are most at risk. We can predict the risk factors that will lead a child into offending behaviour."

Under the plan, teenagers with criminal fathers would be monitored and offered extra support at school and by social services.

They would also be encouraged to make the most of sport, drama and other after-school activities.

Defending the plans, Blears said the scheme would not "stigmatise" those who are targeted.

"You can intervene at an early age and say 'your life can be different and we will help you and your parents make your life different'. Let's put the support in as early as we can," said the minister.