Domestic abusers and stalkers should be forced to sign a national register like sex offenders, a cross-party parliamentary report has said.

They should be monitored under the same arrangements as rapists and paedophiles, giving greater protection to victims who live in fear of their tormentors.

The Commons Home Affairs Committee backed calls for a register of serial stalkers and domestic violence perpetrators to be introduced "as a matter of urgency".

The perpetrators would have to register with the police within 72 hours of being convicted or cautioned and have to notify officers if they intend to move house or travel abroad.

Under the proposals, individuals on the register would be managed through multi-agency public protection arrangements (Mappa), the system used to manage the risks posed by violent and sexual offenders living in the community.

The report says: “Stalking is a serious crime which can have a devastating impact on the lives of victims.