Call for action on knife crime

The Ben Kinsella Trust anti-knife crime charity said the Government must take steps to prevent another rise in attacks across the country as coronavirus restrictions are eased.

NHS Digital data shows there were around 300 hospital admissions in Greater Manchester following an assault with a sharp object in 2020. This was compared to around 320 the year before.

Across England and Wales, there were 4,100 hospital admissions after attacks involving a sharp object last year, down from 4,800 in 2019.

However, the Ben Kinsella Trust said the drop last year was largely achieved because of the coronavirus lockdown.

Chief executive Patrick Green said: “While any drop in knife crime is clearly a good thing, there is an ominous warning contained in these figures. As the country unlocked in July, blade attacks soared.”

In August, hospitals in England and Wales dealt with 543 admissions for assault with a sharp object – the highest monthly figure since comparable records began in 2012.

Admissions increased by 62% between April and June – when the country was under the strictest coronavirus regulations – and July and September last year. Office for National Statistics figures show knife crime rose by 25% between these periods.

Mr Green added: “As we emerge from lockdown, the Government, local authorities and police must take steps to ensure that we do not see a similar surge in knife attacks as we witnessed last summer. This includes helping youth services to get up and running. as soon as possible.”

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