London knife assaults on young people fall 55%

Hospital admissions for knife assaults among young people in London have fallen by 55 per cent since Mayor Sadiq Khan launched the city's Violence Reduction Unit (VRU). City Hall figures indicate that London has seen a faster reduction in such incidents compared to the rest of England.

Since the VRU was established in 2019, there have been nearly 12,500 fewer victims of violence that resulted in injury. The Metropolitan Police recorded almost 14,000 knife-enabled crimes in the 12 months leading up to March 2026. Approximately a quarter of these offences resulted in an injury, according to data from City Hall.

Violence Reduction Unit's Reach

Mayor Sadiq Khan stated that his VRU initiative has now reached a significant milestone, providing assistance to one million Londoners through its efforts to combat violence among young people. He said the VRU was established with the belief that violence is preventable, not inevitable, and that a public health approach to tackling violence and exploitation is effective.

The VRU's work has benefited approximately 750,000 young people directly. Additionally, around 250,000 parents, carers, youth workers, and professionals have received training and support from the unit. The unit has invested over £140 million in its prevention strategies since its inception seven years ago.

Martin Griffiths, consultant trauma surgeon at Barts Health NHS Trust and Clinical Director of the Violence Reduction Network for the NHS in London, welcomed the 55 per cent reduction in young people admitted to hospital for knife assaults. He noted that while each injury represents a tragedy, the decrease means more young Londoners are safer and families have been spared immense distress.

Lib Peck, Director of London’s Violence Reduction Unit, highlighted the progress made through prevention. She stated that the figures demonstrate fewer young people in hospital and a decline in violence and knife crime. Peck emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum, warning that historical evidence shows negative consequences when services working to prevent violence are reduced.