MPs across Worcestershire are being asked to lobby for smoke alarms to be fitted to all private rented homes, it has emerged.

Three years ago the Coalition Government published a proposed law forcing all landlords to ensure working smoke alarms are placed inside all rented properties.

But the legislation has yet to be adopted, mainly because of scepticism from ministers.

Senior bosses at Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service are now calling for MPs in Worcestershire to push for the legislation to kick in.

It follows a plea from the fire authority, which says it could save more lives.

Labour Councillor Richard Udall, who sits on the fire authority, said: "It's something the Government could change instantly.

"The most alarming statistic is the fact people are four times more likely to die without a working smoke alarm being in their property.

"I want to ask all our MPs to support the immediate enacting of this legislation, which was actually passed (went through parliament) in 2012 but is still out for consultation.

"It's something which could be done right now that would save lives."

Conservative Councillor Derek Prodger, fire authority chairman, said: "I think it's a very good suggestion, and the support from the authority would be very helpful."

After the fire authority backed the suggestion across all parties, a letter will now be sent to MPs asking them to push for it.

Official Government guidance "strongly recommends" all private homes have smoke alarms, but does not force them to.

When a property is a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO), rented by three or more people, they are required to have "mains operated interlinked smoke alarm system", but it does not apply to single family rental hones.

The proposed 2012 legislation led to criticism from landlords, who say MPs have already passed 400 different legal requirements on them and want the current rules to stay the same.

But some MPs in the county say they are prepared to pass the fire authority's concerns on.

Today Worcester MP Robin Walker said: "All landlords needs gas safety checks and carbon monoxide alarms fitted now, so this (enabling the law on smoke alarms) seems pretty reasonable to me."