The latest data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) show a significant decline in homicides in England and Wales, reaching their lowest level in nearly 50 years. Official figures reveal that in the year ending September 2025, 499 homicides were recorded, marking a 7 per cent decrease compared with the previous year’s 539 killings and the lowest annual total since comparable records began.
A key driver of this overall fall is the sharp decrease in fatal incidents involving knives or sharp instruments. These cases fell by 23 per cent, with 174 knife-related homicides recorded, down from substantially higher figures in recent years. This drop has contributed to a broader decline in knife crime, which fell by 9 per cent to 50,430 offences.
Key takeaways:
- 499 homicides were recorded in England and Wales in the year ending September 2025
- A 7% fall compared with the previous year
- Fewest homicides since 1977
- The total is the lowest homicide figure in nearly 50 years, since comparable records began
- Knife related homicides fell by 23%
- Overall knife crime offences fell by 9%
- Firearms offences fell by 9% – the lowest since 2003!
- London recorded 97 homicides in 2025, the lowest total in more than a decade
The Metropolitan Police area in London also reported notable improvements. In 2025, there were 97 homicides in the capital, the lowest number recorded in more than a decade and a rate lower than in several major European cities.
ONS analysts say the reductions in homicides and knife crime reflect long-term trends in violent crime, with many forces across England and Wales reporting declines in serious offences over the past year. These figures also align with reduced hospital admissions for assault with a sharp object, offering additional evidence that serious violence is decreasing.
While some other areas of crime, such as shoplifting and antisocial behaviour, continue to rise, the drop in the most serious offence categories remains a positive development for public safety. The Home Secretary has welcomed the progress, highlighting efforts to strengthen neighbourhood policing and invest in community safety.
Overall, the latest ONS statistics show a clear and sustained improvement in some of the UK’s most serious crime indicators, particularly homicide and knife-related offences, offering encouraging insight into national crime trends.
