The shadow home secretary, Chris Grayling, has said that there is "genuine concern" that the law does not provide adequate protection to householders and that an incoming Conservative government would consider strengthening the laws governing how much force householder can use when defending themselves and their property against intruders and burglars.

Interviewed by the Today presenter Justin Webb, Mr Grayling added that it was "right that the courts should judge" on such cases but that politicians should "raise the bar higher", before householders are sent to prison for assaulting intruders, making it an offence for people to use "grossly disproportionate force"

His comments came after newspaper outcry following the jailing of Munir Hussain who chased and beat a burglar, causing him serious injuries

Earlier on the programme Paul Mendelle, the Chairman of the Criminal Bar Association said that any change in the current law might breach human rights legislation.