Burnham stirs up political row with review of release plans for violent criminals

Prime minister Andy Burnham has ordered a review of plans to release thousands of prisoners early, including people convicted of murder, rape and sexual offences. The Guardian's world desk reports that around six thousand offenders were due to be freed on electronic tags in September, and that Burnham intervened after the family of PC Andrew Harper, a police officer whose killers may be eligible, expressed outrage at the policy. Burnham said he wants to ensure everything has been looked at again before the next tranche of releases goes ahead. The move has deepened a political row over the scheme.

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