London homicides fall to lowest level since 2014

January 12, 2026 / 11:24 AM

Sharjah24-AFP: The number of homicides in London fell to its lowest level in more than a decade last year, according to figures released by UK police on Monday. A total of 97 homicides were recorded in 2025, the lowest annual total since 2014. Authorities also confirmed that London’s homicide rate per capita is the lowest since records began in 1997, despite continued population growth.

Commenting on the data, Mayor Sadiq Khan said the figures contradict claims that crime is worsening in the British capital. He stressed that a sustained approach addressing both crime and its underlying causes is delivering results. Khan has faced strong criticism from political opponents and international figures, including Elon Musk, with some linking crime concerns to the mayor’s pro-immigration stance.

Violent crime and stabbings show decline

The Metropolitan Police said violent incidents resulting in injury have fallen by around 20 per cent since 2014. Data from the National Health Service also showed a nearly 30 per cent drop over five years in hospital admissions for stabbings in London.

Ongoing concerns over other offences

Despite the positive trend in serious violence, police figures did not include theft or sexual offences. Phone theft remains a challenge, and the opposition party Reform UK has vowed to prioritise crime ahead of the upcoming elections.