London records lowest homicide rate in summer months since 2018

"So far this year, there have been 10 under-25 homicides recorded, compared with 26 at the same point last year, while the number of teenage homicides has fallen from nine at this point last year to four, the mayor's office added. Provisional figures show that the number of homicides across all ages has fallen by a quarter compared with the start of September last year (78 to 58)."

"This includes additional youth workers, more support for families and local communities, and programmes for inside and outside school hours to divert young people away from violence and towards employment. London's VRU has invested in more than 450,000 positive opportunities for young people and the mayor is committed to delivering a further 250,000 this term, including through Holiday Hope, a new 6 million programme to provide holiday activities and opportunities for young people at greatest risk of exploitation and violence, his office added."

London recorded its fewest number of homicides across June, July and August since 2018, with no homicides among under-25s during the school summer holiday period. So far this year there have been 10 under-25 homicides, down from 26 at the same point last year, and teenage homicides have fallen from nine to four. Overall homicides across all ages have fallen by a quarter, from 78 to 58 compared with the start of September last year. An investment of 1.16 billion is planned for the Metropolitan Police in 2025/26 and funding continues for youth provision. A Violence Reduction Unit established in 2019 focuses on prevention and early intervention through youth workers, family support and in- and out-of-school programmes. The VRU has supported more than 450,000 positive opportunities for young people and commits to delivering a further 250,000, including a 6 million Holiday Hope programme for high-risk youth.

Read at www.independent.co.uk