Knife murder spirals to record levels in London

FATAL stabbings in London have soared by more than a quarter, according to figures published today.

The number of deaths caused by knives or other sharp instruments in the capital rose to 86 in 2007/08, compared with 68 in the previous 12 months - a rise of 26 per cent.

Across England and Wales, the number of fatal stabbings reached 277 between April 2007 and April this year, or five every week. If confirmed, the number will be the highest since records began 30 years ago.

Shadow home affairs minister James Brokenshire, who obtained the latest figures under freedom of information laws, said: "Knife crime is a scourge which claims too many lives and ruins countless others. Yet under Labour it has soared."

However, the Met today issued latest figures showing a drop in some knife crimes and other offences. The number of youth knife crime victims was down to 2,204 between April and September this year compared with 2,698 in the same period last year.