Action urged on far-right website

Alec McFadden narrowly avoided being blinded in the attack, which resulted in cuts to his face and hands.

Labour MP Angela Eagle urged ministers to take action against Redwatch after the attack at her constituent's home.

Home Office Minister Vernon Coaker said it was difficult to close down websites like Redwatch which are hosted abroad.

But he said action could be taken against people who incited others to violence.

A man was currently on bail over suspected public order offences relating to Redwatch.

'Don't preserve them'

Wallasey MP Ms Eagle said Mr McFadden had coordinated a campaign against the British National Party.

He was one of hundreds whose names, pictures and addresses were put on the Redwatch website.

"There appears to be a pattern of violence which is aimed at individuals who are targeted by this website which cannot simply be a coincidence," she said.

The website appeared to be registered to Nazi group Combat 18, said Ms Eagle, who called for "rigorous action" against such incitement sites.

"Hate websites do not deserve the protection of the principles of freedom of speech when they seek to prevent others from exercising their democratic rights," she said.

"I don't believe it's tolerable that this practical instrument for criminal activity, violent assault and political intimidation should be allowed to remain undisturbed and easily available".

'Existing laws enough'

Two years ago the Home Office promised action against Redwatch "very soon" after a series of representations from MPs.

A Home Office spokeswoman told the BBC News website at the time: "We are aware of the anxiety caused by the presence of such material on the internet.

"We have had representations from many MPs about this matter and will be responding to their concerns very soon."

Speaking on Wednesday, a spokeswoman said the Home Office was working with the Association of Chief Police Officers to try to tackle the sort of incitement on the Redwatch website.

"We believe the existing legislative framework is enough for tackling this," she added.

In the Commons, Mr Coaker said there were problems clamping down on overseas websites.

"In these circumstances, we would not have the power to close down that website, or in some cases to prosecute the people who are responsible for it, if illegal material was not distributed in or uploaded from the UK," he said.

"The offence of inciting others to commit crimes would not be exempt from prosecution under these circumstances, however, regardless of whether the perpetrator had used a website hosted in a foreign jurisdiction."

Mr Coaker said more international cooperation was needed.

Sarah's Law fears

Labour MP Martin Salter used the debate to warn that Redwatch linked to another website called Noncewatch.

It said "nonces deserve nothing more than a decent British noose around their necks and a long drop".

Mr Salter said the website showed the dangers of calls for the names and addresses of sex offenders to be published.

The government has said it is looking at the calls for a Sarah's Law, named after murdered school girl Sarah Payne.

But Mr Salter warned: "If we were to go down the road of adopting the ill thought-out Sarah's Law... people behind Redwatch would use that as an opportunity to trigger violent vigilante action."

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Angela Eagle's website
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