Crime and property
Householders and the use of force
This guidance details what force householders can use to tackle intruders in their homes. It reaffirms that householders can use reasonable force to defend themselves, their families and homes and provides a brief overview of how the police and CPS will deal with any such events.
Title: Householders and the use of force against intruders
Author: Crown Prosecution Service and the Association of Chief Police
Officers
Date published: February 2005
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the full guidance 
Does the law protect me? What is 'reasonable force'?
Anyone can use reasonable force to protect themselves or others, or to carry out an arrest or to prevent crime. You are not expected to make fine judgements over the level of force you use in the heat of the moment as long as you only do what you instinctively believe is right at the time. This may still include using something as a weapon.
As a general rule, the more extreme the circumstances and the fear felt, the more force you can lawfully use in self-defence.
Do I have to wait to be attacked?
If you are in your own home and in fear for yourself and others you do not have to wait to be attacked first before using defensive force.
What if the intruder dies?
If you have acted in reasonable self-defence, as described above, and the intruder dies you will still have acted lawfully.
However, the law does not cover you if, for example:
having knocked someone unconscious, you then decided to further hurt or kill them to punish them
you knew of an intended intruder and set a trap to hurt or to kill them rather than involve the police. You can be prosecuted for this.
What if I chase them as they run off?
In this situation you are no longer acting in self-defence so the same degree of force is not reasonable. However, you are still allowed to use reasonable force to recover your property and make a citizen's arrest (e.g. a rugby tackle or a single blow would probably be reasonable). Acting out of malice and revenge with the intent of inflicting punishment through injury or death would not.
Will you believe the intruder rather than me?
The police weigh all the facts when investigating an incident. This includes the fact that the intruder caused the situation to arise in the first place.
How would the police and CPS handle the investigation and treat me?
Chief Constables and the Director of Public Prosecutions (Head of the CPS) are determined that they must be investigated and reviewed as swiftly and as sympathetically as possible. In cases where the facts are very clear, or where less serious injuries are involved, the investigation will be concluded very quickly, without any need for arrest. More detailed enquiries are needed where a death or serious injury occurs.
To ensure such cases are dealt with as swiftly and sympathetically as possible, the police and CPS will take special measures namely:
An experienced investigator will oversee the case
If it goes as far as CPS considering the evidence, the case will be prioritised to ensure a senior lawyer makes a quick decision.
Last update: 08 February 2005