Householders told they can kill in self-defence

British homeowners who confront burglars were told by the British Government yesterday that they were entitled to kill in self-defence - and use guns and knives - to protect their family and property.

They were reassured that they would not be prosecuted if they acted "honestly and instinctively" against intruders in the heat of the moment.

In advice issued yesterday, the Government sought to defuse a controversy over how much force the public are entitled to wield in their own homes.

The Opposition Conservative Party has called for the law to be strengthened to allow the use of all but "grossly disproportionate" force and polls have discovered the public believes the law is tilted in favour of burglars.

Following a brief review of existing legislation, Home Secretary Charles Clarke ruled that it already gave citizens enough powers, but that it needed to be better explained.

The result was yesterday's leaflet, which will be distributed to libraries and police stations. It told householders: "You are not expected to make fine judgments over the level of force you use in the heat of the moment."

But it warned they could still face the courts for using "excessive and gratuitous force".

Prime Minister Tony Blair said: "Don't be in any doubt - you are entitled to defend yourself."

- INDEPENDENT