The Tories have unveiled plans they say would "tip the balance" in favour of homeowners faced with an intruder.

Conservative leader Michael Howard plans to back a private members' bill to introduce the householders protection legislation.

The announcement followed a meeting in which Britain's most senior police officer Sir John Stevens apparently endorsed the proposal.

Blaming "so-called 'human rights'" for "tipping the balance" in favour of criminals, Howard said the plan would "restore fairness".