Knife crime deaths surge as at least two school-aged children dying every month'

"At least two school-aged children are dying every month from knife injuries in England, with most fatalities resulting from a single stab wound, according to a new national analysis."

"The findings emerge from two studies, including one by Bristol Medical School researchers, which examined 145 children and young people under 18 who died from knife wounds in England between April 2019 and March 2024."

"Of those lost, 90 per cent were male, with an average age of 14.4 years. A significant 75 per cent (110 victims) were from areas facing the greatest levels of poverty."

Knife-related deaths among school-aged children in England have increased, with 36 fatalities reported in 2023/24, up from 21 in 2019/20. An investigation revealed over 700 knife crimes in schools last year. The analysis included data from the National Child Mortality Database and examined 145 children under 18 who died from knife wounds between April 2019 and March 2024. Most victims were male, averaging 14.4 years old, and 75% were from impoverished areas, highlighting a concerning trend in youth violence.

Read at www.independent.co.uk