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The number of people killed by knife crime in England and Wales has risen to a record high.
In the 12 months to the end of March 2022, 282 people died from injuries caused by stab wounds or other sharp objects, according to an analysis by the UK Statistics Office.
That is 19 percent more than in the previous year and the highest level since records began in 1946. The level was once at a similarly high level, namely in 2017/18 (March 31).
As in previous years, attacks with knives and similar objects were the most common homicides – these murder weapons played a role in around four out of ten cases.
The increase was strongest for male teenagers killed.
Knife crime is a big problem among young people in Great Britain, and the capital London is one of the hotspots.
Overall, the number of homicides in the analyzed year was 696 victims in England and Wales, back to a similar level as before the pandemic.