Homicide Levels Fall to Half-Century Low as Violent Crime Declines

The United Kingdom recorded its lowest homicide levels in nearly 50 years in 2025, reflecting sustained reductions in lethal violence and weapon-related crime across England and Wales.

“Every murder is a tragedy, but fewer families have been shattered by violence,” said Sir Mark Rowley, Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police.

There were 499 victims of murder, manslaughter and infanticide in the year to September 2025, the lowest total since 1977 and 7% fewer than the previous year. Knife-related killings fell to 174, a 23% drop, while overall knife crime fell 9% to 50,430 offences and firearms crime declined nine per cent to under 5,000 incidents, the lowest level since 2003. Similar progress appeared in Scotland, where 45 homicides were recorded in 2024–25, also marking a near 50-year low, highlighting a broader societal shift towards reduced violence.