London records lowest number of homicides in over a decade
New figures show a significant drop in murders with strongest results among young people
The number of homicides in London has reached its lowest level in over a decade, according to new data.
Figures shared by the Metropolitan Police show 97 homicides in the capital during 2025, an 11% drop compared to 109 in 2024. It is also the lowest figure recorded since 95 homicides in 2014.
Despite London's growing population, the homicide rate hit a record low of 1.1 per 100,000 people last year. This rate was below several major cities worldwide, including New York (2.8), Berlin (3.2), and Paris (1.6) per 100,000, according to the Met.
London's homicide figures place focus on interventions
Met Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley attributed the achievement to targeted measures by authorities.
"London's record-low homicide rate is the result of relentless work: arresting 1,000 more offenders each month, using innovative technology such as live facial recognition to solve more crime, and taking precise action against the most dangerous gangs, organised criminals, and predatory men who target women and children," Rowley said.
"The results speak for themselves: fewer lives lost, fewer families shattered. Every murder is a tragedy, but we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to drive down serious violence."
Writing in The Times, Rowley dismissed claims about crime trends being exaggerated, stating: "Some commentators promote a narrative that suits them, regardless that the facts tell a very different story.
"This is not a matter of opinion or messaging; it is what the data shows.
"We are proud to represent Londoners, and we will speak up for the truth - something that matters more than ever in an age of misinformation and disinformation."
Broader decline across England and Wales
The figures emerge as national crime statistics highlight a broader drop.
According to the Office for National Statistics, there were 518 homicides across England and Wales in the year to June 2025 — a 6% decrease from 552 cases in the previous year. This is 27% lower than the pre-pandemic total of 710 in 2019/2020, making it the lowest since current reporting methods began in 2003.
Among young people in London, the drop has been even more pronounced. The Met reports the fewest number of homicide victims under 25 this century, with teenage victims falling by 73%, down from 30 in 2021 to just eight in 2025.
The mayor of London’s violence reduction unit, established in 2019, has been credited for playing a role in curbing youth violence. The unit reportedly delivered 550,000 interventions aimed at steering young people away from gangs.
Mayor Sir Sadiq Khan commented: "Many people have been trying to talk London down, but the evidence tells a very different story.
"It's clear that our sustained focus on being both tough on crime and tough on the complex causes of crime is working."
Confidence and concerns within the Met
The Met also noted increasing public confidence with 81% of Londoners rating its performance locally as good or fair.
However, the increased confidence comes against a backdrop of historical policing failures.
On Thursday, findings from a vetting review revealed significant issues with the recruitment process between July 2019 and March 2023. It found that 131 officers and staff at the Met had committed crimes or misconduct after being inadequately vetted during a national recruitment drive.
Criticism was also levelled at thousands of officers and staff who were allowed to join the force without proper checks.
The Met said it is taking action to address these failures and strengthen vetting practices while being transparent about past shortcomings.