Homicides in England and Wales fall to lowest level since records began

Homicides in London dropped to the lowest level in more than a decade last year. Photograph: Tolga Akmen/EPA

The total number of homicides in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level since records began after a dramatic drop in killings involving a knife or sharp implement.

Figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show 499 homicides were recorded by police in the 12 months to September 2025, a drop of 7% year on year from 539. These are the lowest overall homicide figures since records were first recorded in 2003.