Fatal stabbings surge to record high

Deaths from stabbing with a knife or sharp instrument have reached the highest number since records began 70 years ago.

There were 285 deaths in the year to March 2018 [latest available figures] a 34% increase on the previous 12 months. Total homicides by all means in England & Wales stood at 726 making knife crime responsible for 39% of all deaths.

The new statistics were released shortly after the Home Office put forward proposals for a ‘knife crime ASBO’ which will grant new powers to police to deal with individuals aged 12 and over who are found in possession of a knife. Courts will be able to impose curfews and social media bans and penalties for breaching the new ASBO will include a jail term of up to 2 years.