Data from 2023/24 paints a concerning picture across England and Wales:

• Over 500 children were hospitalised with knife injuries.
• Knife crime is the leading cause of teenage homicides, with the number of 13 to 19-year-olds killed by knives more than doubling over the past decade.
• 46 children were convicted of homicide—a 77% increase on ten years ago

These numbers sit in a wider context of rising need and stretched services. Compared to ten years ago, youth service funding has halved. More children are missing school, needing mental health support, and entering care. Fewer crimes are being solved.