Homicides at lowest level for more than 40 years as knife crime falls

Figures show there were 174 homicides involving a knife or sharp instrument in the year to September 2025 (PA) - (PA Archive)

Police-recorded homicides in England and Wales have fallen to their lowest level in more than 40 years – driven by a drop in knife crime, figures show.

Some 499 homicides were recorded in the year to September 2025, down 7% from 539 in the previous 12 months.