MP Robin Walker believes the decision to release child killer David McGreavy could be overturned because the parole board failed to follow correct procedure.

Mr Walker, MP for Worcester, said he should have been contacted for his opinion on whether to release McGreavy, 67, who murdered three children in the city in April 1973, before the parole board reached its decision.

“What was supposed to happen was that they would contact me to ask if there are any local concerns around him being released," Mr Walker said. “I had no communication from them on that, so I’m hoping we can get the decision overturned."

Mr Walker said he has sent a letter to the parole board calling for a review into McGreavy’s release, which is due for around Christmas time.

“I am still waiting for a reply to my letter in which I raised the concerns of my constituents, as well as my own objection to his release," Mr Walker said.

“If he were to be released, I would do everything I could to keep him out of Worcester.

“They should be very strict with not letting him come here because it is clear that people do not want him here."

The Conservative MP added: “It’s a case people feel extremely strongly about, given the horrific nature.

“I do not believe David McGreavy should be released – a life sentence should mean life.

“I have spoken with the Lord Chancellor and I do feel very strongly about this.”

McGreavy was jailed for life for the murders of Paul Ralph, aged four, and his sisters Dawn, two, and Samantha who was just nine months old at the time.

He was babysitting the three children in Gillam Street in the Rainbow Hill area of Worcester when he brutally murdered them and impaled their bodies on railing spikes.

When news broke of McGreavy's planned release, the parole board said he had changed considerably since his conviction aged 21.

The report on the decision to release McGreavy said: “He has developed self-control, as well as a considerable understanding of the problems that he has had and what caused them.

“The psychologist identified a number of factors which make it less likely that Mr McGreavy will reoffend in future.

“These included his improved self-control and the fact that Mr McGreavy has learnt to remain calm in stressful situations.”

There has been a public outcry over the decision to release McGreavy.