The total number of homicides in England and Wales has fallen to its lowest level since records began, according to figures released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS). In the 12 months to September 2025, police recorded 499 homicides, a drop of 7% from 539 in the previous year. This marks the lowest overall homicide figures since records started in 2003.
Killings involving a knife or sharp implement decreased by 23% to 174, while overall knife crime fell by 9% to 50,430 offences, down from 55,149. The ONS also reported that gun crime is at its lowest level this century. However, shoplifting increased by 5% to 519,381 offences, and robbery remained broadly similar at 82,678.
The government highlighted its creation of nearly 3,000 extra prison places since July 2024, aiming for a total of 14,000. Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: 'We are having real success tackling the crimes that terrorise communities. Homicides are at their lowest level for almost 50 years. Knife crime continues to fall.' She added that 13,000 more neighbourhood officers are being deployed and £2bn has been invested in police forces.
In London, homicides dropped to 97 in 2025, the lowest since 2014, down 11% from 109 in 2024. The Metropolitan Police figures show a continued decline in the capital. ONS statistician Billy Gazard noted: 'The majority of police forces have seen knife crime fall in the past year, including the larger urban Greater Manchester, Metropolitan and West Midlands areas.'
