Police dogs could be used to protect Parliament after PC Keith Palmer was killed in the Westminster terrorist attack in March.

The dogs would be deployed to help officers at the weakest points of the building – which include the gates through which terrorist Khalid Masood ran during the attack.

Sir Paul Beresford, former chairman of the Commons administration committee, said he believes that PC Palmer could have been saved if he had been stationed with trained attack dogs, reports the Sunday Times.

"If we'd had a dog there PC Palmer might have been saved,” he said.

He added: “If some idiot who is not a terrorist runs in, and there are a few of those out there, the dog will drop them and they won’t be shot.”

Mr Beresford said the introduction of the animals was being “seriously considered”.

He said: “The gates have to be open when MPs are coming in to vote, but we recognise it is a chink in the armour.”

Other plans being considered include stronger vehicle barriers around the Parliament building and measures to keep pedestrians further away.

A separate inquiry is looking into the security inside the Palace of Westminster.

A Parliamentary spokesman said: “Two reviews have now been commissioned into the perimeter security at Parliament and into the Houses’ response following the incident on March 22.

"Both reviews have encouraged and sought the views of those on the estate on that day and from the public.

"This feedback will be considered in detail along with other evidence.”

PC Palmer was stabbed to death by Masood after the attacker ploughed into pedestrians on Westminster Bridge, killing four and injuring dozens more.