The widower of a Lewisham mum killed when a cyclist crashed into her has welcomed the announcement of a review that could lead to tougher cycling laws.

Charlie Alliston was 18 when he hit Kim Briggs as he sped along Old Street in east London shouting at pedestrians to move.

Alliston was cleared of manslaughter but was sentenced to 18 months' behind bars after being found guilty of "wanton and furious driving", a crime under an 1861 act which originally related to the handling of horses.

The government has announced ministers are considering a new offence of causing death by careless or dangerous cycling.

The victim's husband Matthew Briggs has previously spoken out about the need for tougher laws for "irresponsible and reckless" riders.

Speaking to the Press Association, Mr Briggs said the death of his wife "highlighted a huge gap" in the law.

He said: "I fully welcome it and am grateful to the government for acting so swiftly, and am looking forward to helping the review in any way I can and getting these laws on the statute book.

"Kim was by no means the first person this has happened to, but I think what Kim's case has done is highlighted a huge gap in the law between one from 1861 at one end and manslaughter at the other end.

"Manslaughter could only be brought because these were a rather unique set of circumstances, otherwise they would have been left with the Victorian law."

Announcing the review, transport minister Jesse Norman said: "Although the UK has some of the safest roads in the world, we are always looking to make them safer.

"It's great that cycling has become so popular in recent years but we need to make sure that our road safety rules keep pace with this change.

"We already have strict laws that ensure that drivers who put people's lives at risk are punished but, given recent cases, it is only right for us to look at whether dangerous cyclists should face the same consequences.

"We've seen the devastation that reckless cycling and driving can cause, and this review will help safeguard both Britain's cyclists and those who share the roads with them."

The review is due to report conclusions on the proposed new offence in the New Year, based on independent legal advice.

Paul Tuohy, Cycling UK's chief executive, said: "The consultation on road safety issues is an opportunity to keep cyclists and pedestrians safer.

"Cycling UK looks forward to working with the Department for Transport on this consultation to ensure it focuses on evidenced ways that keep our most vulnerable road users safe, by addressing risks such as dangerous roads, drivers and vehicles."