Police have denied attempting to duck responsibility for the deaths of a mother and daughter who suffered threats and taunts for more than 10 years.

They spoke after Justice Secretary Jack Straw criticised the Leicestershire force's handling of the case of Barwell mum Fiona Pilkington, who killed herself and her teenage daughter by dousing their car in petrol and setting it alight.

The coroner who heard the inquest into their deaths criticised police for not linking the dozens of incidents reported by Ms Pilkington.

This included attacks on daughter Francecca and son Anthony, both of whom had learning disabilities, at their home in Bardon Road.

Speaking to BBC Radio Derby, Mr Straw said: "What happened in Leicester, let's be clear about this, was quite shameful neglect by the local police of what was going on, with the deputy chief constable basically shuffling off responsibility."

A spokesman for Mr Straw last night said the Justice Secretary "was referring to police comments during the inquest that those responsible for tormenting Mrs Pilkington and her daughter could not be prosecuted".

The spokesman added: "This was simply not the case. As the coroner herself said, 'there are seven or eight Acts of Parliament that are smack-on for dealing with the problems that this family were facing'."

It is believed Mr Straw was referring to remarks made by Leicestershire's former assistant chief constable Chris Tew, which police later said were "dramatically misreported" in some national newspapers.

Chief Constable Chris Eyre said: "Jack Straw is a busy minister with a national and international portfolio. I can only imagine his comments were based on media reports of the Pilkington inquiry, which were at times inaccurate.

"Far from 'shuffling off responsibility' for what happened, I personally, and on behalf of the force, have made a full and heartfelt apology to the family and the people of Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland for what happened."

Mr Eyre added that, as a result of the case, the force had improved the way it investigated crimes and acts of anti-social behaviour since the two women's deaths in a lay-by, near Earl Shilton, in October 2007.

Councillor Byron Rhodes, chairman of Leicestershire Police Authority, intends to ask Mr Straw to withdraw his claim.

The coroner also criticised Leicestershire County Council and Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council.