The proposals follow police advice about witnesses to gang crime

Witnesses to receive anonymity

Witnesses to receive anonymity

Witnesses who testify against gangs may receive anonymity, under new government proposals expected today.

Home secretary Jacqui Smith is expected to announce the measures in a speech later today, according to the Times newspaper, together with plans restricted the movement of gang members.

“We want witnesses to feel safe enough to give evidence right from the beginning,” Ms Smith said.

“If this means an early guarantee that their identities will be protected then so be it. And if law enforcement authorities need new powers then they will have them.”

Witnesses are unlikely to receive anonymity until near the start of the trial, under the current system.