Ethnic minorities made up over 90 per cent of unsolved murders in London over a four-year period, according to new research.
An examination of unsolved homicides in the capital from 2019 to 2023 shows ethnic minorities represented 61 per cent of reported victims, as well as nearly 93 per cent of all unsolved murder victims.
The same data reveals black people were victims in 40 per cent of murders, as well as 73 per cent of unsolved murders, The Guardian reports. Black people represented 83 per cent (36 incidents) of unsolved shootings as well as 73 per cent (39 incidents) of unsolved stabbings.
Analysis of unsolved homicide data
The analysis was carried out by Action on Armed Violence, which also discovered fatal shootings were more likely to go unsolved than stabbings, while the average age of homicide victims in the capital is 36. However, for unsolved cases, the average victim's age falls down to just 28.
Iain Overton, of Action on Armed Violence, stated: "Our data suggest that London's unsolved murders are not evenly distributed. Instead, they are concentrated among young Black men and in cases involving firearm violence."
"While there are many reasons for why such murder investigations are especially difficult, the result must seem often clear to the victims' families: those communities most affected by deadly violence are often the least likely to see those responsible brought to justice. This in itself risks deepening existing mistrust and creating the perception of unequal protection under the law. And that can't be a good thing."
Met Police response and record
The Met Police has argued the disparity in victims could be due to black people having less trust in the police than the rest of the population.
Despite the gloomy figures, the Met has a comparatively positive record in solving murders, with nine out of 10 killings resulting in a conviction. Meanwhile, the force reported 97 homicides in London last year, its lowest in a decade and a significant drop from 153 in 2019.
The Met's head of homicide, commander Paul Brogden, said: "We know serious violence disproportionately affects certain communities, particularly young black men, who have the lowest trust in policing. This means sadly victims or witnesses are less likely to come forward and trust us."
"As this report outlines, that is an added complexity following shootings or stabbings on the streets, where identifying suspects requires more detailed investigative work, particularly when compared to domestic murders."
"While we use every tool at our disposal such as CCTV and forensics, often it's witness evidence which can prove vital in securing convictions."
