London’s homicide rate fell to its lowest level in over a decade in 2025.
City News has analysed the recently released homicide statistics released by the Metropolitan Police. We find that London retains the highest homicide rate within England and Wales and is declining at half the rate of the five fastest regions.
Last year, London recorded a total of 97 homicides. In terms of rate, this translates to 1.1 deaths for every 100,000 people. This is the lowest rate since 2014 and marks an 11% decrease from 2024.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan commented on the progress, “many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story. Last year London had the lowest murder rate per capita since records began.”
This follows US President Donald Trump who said crime in London was “through the roof,” in September. Trump, has criticised Khan for over a decade for being a “terrible mayor” who has “changed” the city.
New York’s rate of 2.8, however, signals that London safer by a large margin.
Who does this affect?
The full breakdown of homicides in 2025 are yet to be released. However, they have historically shown that black people suffer a significantly higher likelihood of being a victim.
From 2020-2024, there were 29% more deaths of black people than of white. For context, the ethnic breakdown of London was 53.8% white and 13.5% black, as recorded in the 2021 census.
What is the method?
During this period, knife crime led as the number one method.
Recording a total of 253, homicides caused by knives or sharp instruments make up 63% of all homicides recorded in the same period.
What have the key figures said?
In a press release, the Metropolitan Police described their strategy to reduce homicides as “uncompromising” and innovative. They said their recent success is due to greater use of technology, including live facial recognition, arresting over 1,000 people per month, and ‘taking thousands of guns and knives from London’s streets.”
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence. This work will not stop, and neither will our determination to keep Londoners safe.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, explained that another possible reason for the reduction in homicides was the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). An initiative which attempts to tackle crime through preventative measures such as youth intervention.
“It’s clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working. This includes investing in intervention and prevention work led by my Violence Reduction Unit – the first in England.”
What about the rest of England and Wales?
Despite this progress, London still holds the highest homicide rate compared to the rest of England and Wales.
London’s homicide rate is 14% higher than that of the West Midlands, the region with the second-highest level. Compared with the lowest ranking regions, this difference is even more striking.
The chart below shows London’s homicide rate as 43% higher than the South East, the safest region. At this rate, London is predicted to record 427 more deaths than the South East over a ten year period if population remained the same.
New London residents feel the change
Ella Fenton, a graduate who recently moved to London from Portsmouth, South East, said the increased sense of danger was “visible” and that she feels more on guard during her daily runs than she did back home.
“It’s funny, London is exactly where graduates want to be, but it definitely does feel less safe than home”
Rebecca Vernon, is a master’s student of biomedical studies. She recently moved to London from Surrey, also South East, and offered a different perspective.
“Yes, London is less safe; it feels less safe than home. But I wouldn’t move back because of it, at least not right now.”
London ranks second slowest in decline of homicides
In fact, London’s homicide rate has been significantly lower than the rest of England and Wales. The South East, which records the lowest number of deaths, is the only region to see a slower decline since 2022. The five fastest regions are declining at double the pace of London.
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HeadlineExplained: London’s Homicide Stats
Short HeadlineLondon's homicide rate falls to lowest in decades
StandfirstBlack people have recorded the highest number of victims and knife crime is the most common cause
London’s homicide rate fell to its lowest level in over a decade in 2025.
City News has analysed the recently released homicide statistics released by the Metropolitan Police. We find that London retains the highest homicide rate within England and Wales and is declining at half the rate of the five fastest regions.
Last year, London recorded a total of 97 homicides. In terms of rate, this translates to 1.1 deaths for every 100,000 people. This is the lowest rate since 2014 and marks an 11% decrease from 2024.
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan commented on the progress, “many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story. Last year London had the lowest murder rate per capita since records began.”
This follows US President Donald Trump who said crime in London was “through the roof,” in September. Trump, has criticised Khan for over a decade for being a “terrible mayor” who has “changed” the city.
New York’s rate of 2.8, however, signals that London safer by a large margin.
Who does this affect?
The full breakdown of homicides in 2025 are yet to be released. However, they have historically shown that black people suffer a significantly higher likelihood of being a victim.
From 2020-2024, there were 29% more deaths of black people than of white. For context, the ethnic breakdown of London was 53.8% white and 13.5% black, as recorded in the 2021 census.
What is the method?
During this period, knife crime led as the number one method.
Recording a total of 253, homicides caused by knives or sharp instruments make up 63% of all homicides recorded in the same period.
What have the key figures said?
In a press release, the Metropolitan Police described their strategy to reduce homicides as “uncompromising” and innovative. They said their recent success is due to greater use of technology, including live facial recognition, arresting over 1,000 people per month, and ‘taking thousands of guns and knives from London’s streets.”
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said: “Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence. This work will not stop, and neither will our determination to keep Londoners safe.”
Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, explained that another possible reason for the reduction in homicides was the Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). An initiative which attempts to tackle crime through preventative measures such as youth intervention.
“It’s clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working. This includes investing in intervention and prevention work led by my Violence Reduction Unit – the first in England.”
What about the rest of England and Wales?
Despite this progress, London still holds the highest homicide rate compared to the rest of England and Wales.
London’s homicide rate is 14% higher than that of the West Midlands, the region with the second-highest level. Compared with the lowest ranking regions, this difference is even more striking.
The chart below shows London’s homicide rate as 43% higher than the South East, the safest region. At this rate, London is predicted to record 427 more deaths than the South East over a ten year period if population remained the same.
New London residents feel the change
Ella Fenton, a graduate who recently moved to London from Portsmouth, South East, said the increased sense of danger was “visible” and that she feels more on guard during her daily runs than she did back home.
“It’s funny, London is exactly where graduates want to be, but it definitely does feel less safe than home”
Rebecca Vernon, is a master’s student of biomedical studies. She recently moved to London from Surrey, also South East, and offered a different perspective.
“Yes, London is less safe; it feels less safe than home. But I wouldn’t move back because of it, at least not right now.”
London ranks second slowest in decline of homicides
In fact, London’s homicide rate has been significantly lower than the rest of England and Wales. The South East, which records the lowest number of deaths, is the only region to see a slower decline since 2022. The five fastest regions are declining at double the pace of London.
