A BID to make upskirting a specific criminal offence has been blocked by a Tory MP.

The Voyeurism (Offences) Bill hit the roadblocks when Christchurch MP Sir Christopher Chope objected to the bill being given a second reading in the Commons.

The Bill, which would have brought upskirting in line with other existing voyeurism offences, was expected to get the nod through the Commons after the Ministry of Justice indicated its support.

It only requires one MP to shout "object" when the title of a private member's bill is read out to halt its progress.

Cries of "shame" could be heard after Sir Christopher blocked it.

Home Office minister Victoria Atkins, also minister for women, and Tory MP Will Quince (Colchester) were among those who said "shame" when the Bill was blocked.

Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse (Bath) asked for her Bill to return on July 6.