Burglars who are attacked by their victims will not be allowed to sue for damages, the home secretary has announced.

Following the release of Tony Martin, David Blunkett said he was concerned about several issues connected to the case.

Martin was jailed after he shot and killed an intruder who was burgling his Norfolk farmhouse.

In a statement issued on Tuesday Blunkett said the law would be changed to protect homeowners from subsequent civil litigation.

"I will ensure that those intruding on the lives and property of decent citizens will not be able to turn the tables and sue them," said the home secretary.

"I announced in May at the third reading of the Criminal Justice Bill that the government will introduce an amendment to protect the rights of householders. This by its very nature will rule out access to legal aid."

Following a report into the timing of the release of Brendon Fearon, one of two men who broke into Martin's home, Blunkett said the normal procedures had been observed.

"I am now satisfied that the date of Mr Fearon's release, under electronic curfew, was determined entirely in accordance with established procedures and that there was no improper interference despite the circumstances," he said.

Blunkett also expressed concern at alleged death threats against Martin - who was yesterday released after serving a manslaughter sentence.

"I am also very concerned about the alleged death threats made against Tony Martin - as I would be if they were made against any citizen. If anynewspaper has information about this, they should pass it immediately to the police," he said.

In the wake of Martin's release Blunkett said new legislation would make sentencing "simpler, clearer to understand and more consistent".

"For the most heinous crimes, like murder, life will mean life. New sentencing guidelines will deliver more consistent and robust sentences."

Blunkett added that the Criminal Justice Bill introduces a general duty on the courts to give reasons for the sentences passed.

"It also contains new measures to ensure that a sentence will include both custody and supervision, and as a result will, for all but the lesser crimes, require that a sentence is carried out in full," he said.