London experienced a notable decline in homicides across June, July and August, according to early figures from the Mayor of London’s office. The data indicates that overall killings across all age groups have fallen by a quarter compared with the same stage last year, dropping from 78 to 58.

The figures also highlight a reduction in youth violence. Ten under-25s have been killed so far this year, compared with 26 during the same period in 2024. Teenage homicides have halved, falling from nine last year to four. The mayor’s office also confirmed there were no under-25 homicides recorded during the school summer holidays, a period often associated with increased risks of violence.

Mayor of London Sadiq Khan praised the collaborative approach of police and local partners, saying:

"The summer months are traditionally a very challenging time of year with young people more at risk of exploitation and violence, but through London's Violence Reduction Unit and the Met Police we've been working incredibly hard with partners across the capital to provide support and help."

Metropolitan Police Commissioner Sir Mark Rowley credited the work of officers and staff for the progress achieved. He said:

"Thanks to the efforts of the thousands of hardworking Met officers and staff, our sustained crackdown on violent crime is working. Homicide is at a 10-year low, violent incidents in which people are injured are down by a fifth, proportionally lower than any other UK city, and firearms discharges are less than half the level they were seven years ago."

The Commissioner continued:

"That's because we're proactively targeting dangerous offenders and dismantling organised crime groups, while safeguarding those at risk of exploitation. As a result, less people are being killed and injured and our city is safer. We're not complacent and we will never stop the fight against serious violence. One senseless death is one too many."

Patrick Green, chief executive of knife crime charity the Ben Kinsella Trust, said:

"This is encouraging news, and it highlights the vital role the Violence Reduction Unit plays in reducing knife crime."

He added that each homicide statistic represents a personal tragedy, with the impact often rippling beyond families to friends and entire communities.

Despite the decline in overall killings, the capital has still witnessed harrowing incidents. Four teenagers have lost their lives in London this year, among them 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa, who was fatally stabbed while sitting on a bus in Woolwich. The fatal stabbing of 24-year-old Blue Stevens outside a Knightsbridge hotel, and the death of 22-year-old Shoaib Kochay who was struck by a car in Hendon, both took place shortly before the summer break. The Office for National Statistics reported a 9% rise in knife crime in London for the year ending March 2025, with 16,297 offences recorded. At the same time, violence with injury dropped by 18%, and homicide overall decreased by 9%.

While campaigners and officials have welcomed the latest figures as evidence of progress, the sense of safety among residents is not always reflected in the statistics. Reports of shoplifting and phone theft have increased, crimes which often leave Londoners feeling vulnerable in their communities.

Criticism also remains over the future of policing in the capital. Budget cuts are expected to result in the loss of 1,700 Met officers and staff, alongside the removal of safer schools officers, the withdrawal of dedicated Royal Parks teams and the closure of nearly half of police station front counters. Those working closely with young people have expressed concern about how such decisions may impact efforts to prevent violence.