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Early figures show significant reduction in homicides in London across summer months as Mayor commits to continue tackling violence
- Fewest number of homicides in London across June, July and August since 2018
- No homicides of under-25s during this year’s school holiday period
- Provisional figures show the number of people killed in homicides this year has fallen by a quarter compared to the end of August last year – as Mayor vows to continue hard work to tackle violence
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has today reiterated that one death is one too many and committed to continuing to tackle violence and its complex causes, as early figures show that London recorded the fewest number of homicides across June, July and August since 2018.
The Mayor has vowed to continue building on the hard work to tackle violence across the capital and hailed the impact of his London Violence Reduction Unit and the hard work of the Met Police, as provisional figures show that there were no under-25 homicides recorded in London during the school summer holiday period*.
Last year, London recorded the lowest number of homicides of under-25s for 22 years, and the lowest number of teenage homicides since 2012. So far this year, there have been 10 under-25 homicides recorded, compared with 26 at the same point last year. The number of teenage homicides has fallen from nine at this point last year to four. Provisional figures show that the number of homicides across all ages has fallen by a quarter compared to the start of September last year (78 to 58).
This follows the latest crime stats from the ONS that show Londoners are, on average, less likely to be a victim of a violence with injury offence than across the rest of England and Wales.
Since May 2016, homicides, knife crime with injury for those aged under 25, violence with injury, burglary and gun crime lethal barrel discharge has all fallen across the capital.
Nothing is more important to the Mayor than keeping Londoners safe and that’s why he’s investing a record £1.16bn in the Met Police in 2025/26, more than doubling the investment in policing compared to the previous Mayor, and continues to focus on tackling the root causes of violence by investing in youth provision.
The Met’s proactive approach to tackling serious violence is having a direct impact on homicides and violent crime. Its specialist teams are disrupting more serious and organised crime groups than ever before, tackling drug dealing and county lines, while safeguarding those forced into criminality via exploitation. Targeting those groups has led to hundreds of arrests and court outcomes, and the seizure of hundreds of weapons.
The Mayor established the first Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) in England and Wales in 2019 to pioneer a partnership approach to tackling violence that is rooted in prevention and early intervention. This includes additional youth workers, more support for families and local communities, and programmes for inside and outside school hours to divert young people away from violence and towards employment.
London's VRU has now invested in more than 450,000 positive opportunities for young people, which has coincided with a 40 per cent reduction in hospital admissions of under-25s for knife assault and a 16 per cent fall in personal robbery offences. The Mayor is committed to delivering a further 250,000 opportunities for young people this term, which includes through Holiday Hope, a new £6m programme to provide holiday activities and opportunities for young people at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.
The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “Nothing is more important to me than keeping Londoners safe and it is encouraging that we have had the fewest number of homicides in London across June, July and August in years, with no under-25 homicides during the school summer holiday period.
“The summer months are traditionally a very challenging time of year with young people more at risk of exploitation and violence, but through London’s Violence Reduction Unit and the Met Police we’ve been working incredibly hard with partners across the capital to provide support and help.
“These latest figures show that this work is making a difference, but I’m very clear that one death is one too many and I will continue to do all I can with our partners to tackle violence and its causes, as we build a safer London for everyone.”
Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service Sir Mark Rowley, said: “Thanks to the efforts of the thousands of hardworking Met officers and staff, our sustained crackdown on violent crime is working. Homicide is at a 10-year low, violent incidents in which people are injured are down by a fifth – proportionally lower than any other UK city – and firearms discharges are less than half the level they were seven years ago.
“That’s because we’re proactively targeting dangerous offenders and dismantling organised crime groups, while safeguarding those at risk of exploitation. As a result, less people are being killed and injured and our city is safer.
“We’re not complacent and we will never stop the fight against serious violence. One senseless death is one too many.”
Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, said: “We are committed to working in partnership across London to tackle violence and deliver what young people need to stay safe and to thrive.
“With the support of the Mayor, prevention and early intervention both play a key role in London’s approach and we will continue to invest in youth work and opportunities for young people.
“Whilst there have been positive signs, it’s clear there is more to do and we’re determined to do everything we can because we firmly believe that violence is preventable, not inevitable.”
Patrick Green, CEO of the Ben Kinsella Trust, said: "This is encouraging news, and it highlights the vital role the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU) plays in reducing knife crime. The Mayor and his VRU’s focus on prevention and early intervention has been key to strengthening the vital work of frontline organisations. This data is a powerful sign that their long-term strategy is working, and we are proud to be a partner in making London safer."
Sam Bosede, Director of Operations at Wickers and Rise Up East, member of the VRU’s MyEnds programme in Hackney, said: “Summer programmes for young people in Hackney have made a powerful, positive impact in our communities. By engaging young people early, these initiatives are proving that prevention works.
“With more safe, structured, and inspiring opportunities available, we've seen a real shift. Incidents of violence, including stabbings and shootings, have decreased during the summer months. These programmes provide not just activities, but real pathways to growth, confidence, and connection, giving young people the tools and support they need to thrive. This is what community safety and empowerment in action looks like and young people are at the forefront of delivering the services.”
Shalina Alabaksh, programme manager of the New Era Croydon MyEnds consortium, said: “It’s been another fantastic summer of opportunity, positivity and impact with so many young Londoners benefiting from meaningful engagement with activities and youth workers.
“There is still a lot to do but prevention is better than reaction and we welcome the findings off the back of this summer.
“We are proud to play a part in keeping London safe and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with the VRU and our local partners here in Croydon.”
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