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Murder

London Records Lowest Number of Homicides Among Under-25s in 22 Years

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Early figures indicate that London has recorded its fewest number of homicides across June, July, and August since 2018, a notable decrease in violent crime. The mayor's office also reports that no homicides were recorded among under-25s during the school summer holiday period, a significant achievement. Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan has committed to continuing his efforts to tackle violence across the capital, and early results suggest that his strategies are yielding positive outcomes. The city's Violence Reduction Unit has invested in over 450,000 positive opportunities for young people, with plans to deliver an additional 250,000 opportunities this term.

Key Takeaways:

  • London has recorded its fewest number of homicides across June, July, and August since 2018.
  • No homicides were recorded among under-25s 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.
  • This year, there have been 10 under-25 homicides recorded, compared with 26 at the same point last year, while 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 with the start of September last year (78 to 58).
  • The mayor has invested £1.16 billion in the Metropolitan Police in 2025/26, and continues to invest in youth provision.
  • London's Violence Reduction Unit has invested in over 450,000 positive opportunities for young people, with plans to deliver an additional 250,000 opportunities this term.
  • The VRU's Holiday Hope programme is providing £6 million to support holiday activities and opportunities for young people at greatest risk of exploitation and violence.
  • Met Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley attributed the decrease in homicides to the hard work of Met officers and staff, as well as the sustained crackdown on violent crime.
  • The mayor's office has committed to continuing to support and invest in initiatives that prevent violence and empower young people.

Statistics:

  • 10 under-25 homicides recorded this year, compared with 26 at the same point last year.
  • Number of teenage homicides has fallen from nine at this point last year to four.
  • Provisional figures show a quarter decrease in homicides across all ages (from 78 to 58) compared to last year.
  • London's VRU has invested in over 450,000 positive opportunities for young people.
  • An additional 250,000 opportunities are planned to be delivered this term.
  • The VRU's Holiday Hope programme is providing £6 million to support holiday activities and opportunities for young people.

Sources:

  • Mayor of London's office
  • Met Police
  • London's Violence Reduction Unit
  • Ben Kinsella Trust
  • Wickers and Rise Up East (a member of the VRU's MyEnds programme)

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