London homicides drop by a third in six years to record low

London Homicide Rate Drops to Record Low

The number of homicides in London has decreased by more than a third in six years, reaching a record low, according to recent figures.

The decline is attributed to targeting violent offenders, the use of technology like facial recognition cameras, and the efforts of the Violence Reduction Unit.

Last year, there were 97 homicide victims, which includes murder, manslaughter, and infanticide. This is the lowest number since the Metropolitan Police began current data recording in 2014.

Criminal Charges and Teen Homicides

The Metropolitan Police reported that criminal charges were filed in 95 percent of homicide cases. In 2025, the number of teens murdered was eight, a significant drop from 30 in 2021.

Hospital Admissions for Stab Wounds

NHS figures indicate that 955 people were admitted to hospitals with stab wounds last year in London. This marks a 29 percent decrease since 2020.

Statements from Officials

Metropolitan Police Chief Sir Mark Rowley stated, “London’s record-low homicide rate is the result of relentless work. The results speak for themselves…fewer lives lost, fewer families shattered.”

Rowley added, “Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence.”

London Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan remarked, “Many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story.”

Khan noted, “Last year, London had the lowest murder rate per capita since records began, the fewest murders of those aged under 25 this century, and one of the lowest numbers of homicides for three decades.”

He concluded, “It’s clear that our sustained focus on both being tough on crime and on the complex causes of crime is working.”