Overview
- Two peer‑reviewed studies published Monday detail 145 knife deaths of under‑18s in England since April 2019 and show the annual toll rose from 21 in 2019/20 to 36 in 2023/24.
- Boys about 14 years old made up most victims, with 90% male, and risk was sharply higher for children in the poorest areas and for Black children, who were about 13 times more likely to be killed than White peers.
- London recorded the highest number of deaths over the five years, with the West Midlands and the North West next, while rates were lowest in the South East and East of England.
- Case‑file reviews found 75% of victims were already known to social services, many had lived with domestic abuse or bereavement, and records often noted drug exposure, gang ties, or prior knife‑carrying.
- Injury reviews reported chest or neck wounds in three quarters of cases and found 60% of victims died before reaching hospital, underscoring the need for faster care and earlier, targeted support.