Figures published by the Office for National Statistics show 16 per cent more recorded knife offences in the year to March, compared with the previous twelve months in England and Wales.
There were also 701 homicides in the same period which is a 12 per cent rise.
Naomi Allen, ministries director at Christian charity XLP told Premier the government’s measures to tackle the issue aren’t going far enough.
“I know that the government has launched these knife-crime lessons for the end of term – which in themselves are good but we really need to be trying to work out how can we tackle some of the drivers. And if a driver is fear, one of the ways we can tackle that is by building trust with people who feel like carrying knives is their only option.”
Concern over serious violence intensified this year after a spate of fatal stabbings and shootings, with London in particular badly hit by bloodshed.
Alex Mayes, policy and public affairs adviser for charity Victim Support, said: “It’s truly shocking to see these rises in homicides and violent crime such as knife crime. While overall crime levels are generally stable, these increases in some high harm crimes are concerning.
“Too many lives are being shattered by these violent crimes.”
The Home Office’s anti-knife lessons for 11 to 16-year-olds will warn young people not to believe everything they see on social media, and that…
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