The UK is one of the countries people wish to move to due to its economy, culture, lifestyle, moral values, and more. As of January 2025, the UK’s population is 69,369,541 which helps the United Kingdom stand at number 21 when talking about the countries with the largest population in the world. The UK’s population is increasing fast due to migrants migrating to the UK for the sake of a better lifestyle and working opportunities.
According to the Office for National Statistics, in the time period of twelve months to June (2024), almost 1.2 million people migrated to the UK increasing the overall population by a huge margin. People visit the country in the hopes of having a better lifestyle and working opportunities but unfortunately, the crime rates here are increasing day by day creating serious problems for both residents and visitors alike.
With years of experience analysing crime data, we’ve published numerous pieces shedding light on the UK’s crime challenges. From identifying crime hotspots to exploring issues like gun violence, we aim to provide clear, data-driven insights.
At Guard Mark Security, we have been sharing the crime statistics of the different regions of the UK for a long time and today, we will discuss the “Homicide Crime” happening in the UK. We all know that homicide is a serious crime so we have tried to gather all the information from trusted sources. According to the Office for National Statistics, Homicide crime slightly decreased in 2024 when compared with the statistics of 2023. But still, the number they have shared is shocking and there is room for improvement.
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What Is the Overall Murder Statistics Look Like in the UK?
As we have mentioned earlier Homicide crime is a serious issue so we have gathered the data from the Government Dataset. When talking about the overall crime rate of homicide in the UK, there were 562 homicide cases police reported by the end of the year June 2024. According to the UK’s police and Office for National Statistics, this number is lower by 3% as compared to the 2023 statistics. There were 578 homicide offences recovered in 2023 by the end of the year in June. The homicide rate decreased from 9.7 in 2023 to 9.3 in 2024 per 1 million residents.
The highest Homicide offences recorded in the UK was in 2004 by the end of the year in March (1,047 offences) and after that, the crime rates started to decrease. When looking at the statistics available at the Office for National Statistics, 2020 was one of the years that was the most depressing and the rate of Homicide increased again. In 2020, the number of recorded homicides was 711 offences by the end of the year in March 2024.
As one of the best security guarding companies in the UK, our analysis is that the crime rate increased due to the pandemic, people were depressed, and inflation was hurting everyone. At that time, both the police and the local authorities tried their best and the homicide crime dropped from 711 in 2020 to 573 in 2021 by the end of the year in March.
We all know that knife and sharp object crime is one of the issues both police and law authorities are trying to control but it is increasing with every passing day. According to ONS, sharp object crime increased by 4% in 2024 (excluding Greater Manchester) and the total number of reported offences was 50,973 which is an alarming situation. The reported number of sharp object crimes in 2023 was 49,187 which was lower than the 2024 statistics. When talking about the 2024 homicide crimes, 44% of these crimes involved knives or other sharp objects. For more insights, read our blog post on knife crime hotspots.
At Guard Mark Security, our number one priority is to provide you with the latest and most recent statistics. The above-mentioned statistics provide a faded picture of the homicide rate in the UK. Let’s break down the data and explore the top 25 areas with the highest homicide crime rates in the UK.
The 25 Worst Areas for Homicide in the UK
Using the latest crime statistics, we’ve identified the 25 areas in the UK with the highest rates of homicide. This ranking considers both the number of homicides and the rate per 100,000 population, offering insight into the regions most affected by this grave issue.
1- Hartlepool
Hartlepool is known and famous for its history, museums, and seaside fishing and farming. The museum in Hartlepool commemorates the role of the area in World War I and is the only battlefield left connected with WWI. Unfortunately, the capital is on the top when talking about the worst areas for homicide in 2024. Hartlepool recorded 4 homicides in 2024 with a rate of 6.4 homicides per 100,000 population.
2- Inverclyde
When talking about the Inverclyde, its history is pretty amazing, and is famous for its shipbuilding, trading, and manufacturing. Moreover, James Watt is the name that is linked with Inverclyde and helped the industrial sector with his new and mind-blowing inventions. Despite having such positive attributes, the region reported 4 homicides in 2024, resulting in a rate of 5.1 homicides per 100,000 population.
3- Blackpool
Blackpool is a seaside region and is famous for its beautiful beaches, Blackpool Tower, and Heritage Tram Tours snaking along its shoreline. The reported number of homicide crimes in Blackpool in 2024 was 4 homicides and the overall crime rate was 5 crimes per 100,000 population.
4- Shetland Islands
The landscapes of the Shetland Islands are considered one of the most dramatic and picturesque in the world. Despite having a small population of just 23,000, the region faced 1 homicide in 2024 making it one of the top 5 worst areas for homicide in the UK. The overall homicide crime rate in the Shetland Islands is 4.3 homicides per 100,000 population.
5- Gloucester
Gloucester is well known for its rich history, culture, stunning cathedral, and port. In ancient times, the region was used as a port area and has significant importance. Despite having such positive factors and amazing beauty, the homicide rate in the area is concerning. In 2024, 2 homicides were reported to the police in Gloucester and the overall crime rate was 3.7 homicides per 100,000 population.
6- Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton is the hometown of the rock band Slade and is mostly known for its football club (Wolverhampton Wanderers FC). Moreover, the region has a rich industrial history and culture. In 2024, the reported number of homicides in Wolverhampton was 5 making it one of the worst regions for homicide crimes. The overall crime for homicide in 2024 was 3.7 per 100,000 population.
7- Lambeth
Lambeth is famous for many beautiful attractions including Lambeth Palace, waterfront developments, and more. Moreover, the region has a rich history and culture. Moreover, Lambeth is one of London’s largest boroughs and is densely populated. Lambeth saw 7 homicides in 2024 which is an alarm stat for both the police and the local law authorities. The overall homicide crime rate in Lambeth is 3.2 homicides per 100,000 population.
8- Hounslow
There are multiple attractions in Hounslow including Syon House, the grand stately home of the Duke of Northumberland, The Musical Museum, Gtech Community Stadium, and more. In 2024, Hounslow’s residents witnessed 2 homicides equating to 3.1 homicides per 100,000 population.
9- Bury
Bury is famous for its tremendous markets (open-air Bury Market), black pudding, and historical heritage. 2024 was one of the most devastating years for the Bury and has faced 1 homicide resulting in 3.1 per 100,000 population. Despite having such a small population, Bury needs more security measures and protection from crimes such as homicide and violent assault.
10- East Lindsey
East Lindsey is the largest Local Authority District in England and is famous for many reasons including its economy, agriculture, and manufacturing. The region witnessed 1 homicide in 2024 making it in the top 10 worst areas for homicides in England and Wales.
11- Chelmsford
In 1899, Guglielmo Marconi opened the world’s first wireless factory in Chelmsford, and the people started calling the region the birthplace of radio. The region is also famous for one of the greatest seasons of all time “Game of Thrones”. Moreover, there are many parks and gardens which increases the beauty of the region. Despite having all these positive attributes, the region faced 2 homicides in 2024, resulting in a rate of 2.7 homicides per 100,000 population.
12- Renfrewshire
Renfrewshire is well known for its historical textile industry and World War II influential ships. There are different storeys about the region in which the heroes of World War II are described. In 2024, there were 5 homicides recorded in the region making it one of the worst areas for homicide crime. Due to its dense population, the overall homicide crime rate was 2.7 per 100,000 population.
13- Hackney
Hackney is one of the boroughs in East London and is famous for many positive factors including its diverse culture, vibrant nightlife, places to eat, historical buildings, and more. There are so many positive things about Hackney but still, the crime rate here is increasing and destroying its reputation. In 2024, there was 1 homicide reported by the police and the overall homicide crime rate was 2.6 per 100,000 population.
14- Croydon
Croydon is in South London and it is one of the famous boroughs known for its rich history, creative heritage, and many other personalities famous for their rich mindset. It is also famous for too many big financial firms and insurance companies. Unfortunately, safety remains a concern as the borough recorded 3 homicides in 2024, equating to a rate of 2.5 homicides per 100,000 population.
15- Crawley
Crawley is known for its great transportation links, diverse population, and economy which is thriving these days. There are multiple parks and gardens including Tilgate Park, Buchan Country Park, Ifield Mill Pond and Bewbush Water Gardens, and more. Despite this development, the town saw 1 homicide in 2024, leading to a rate of 2.5 homicides per 100,000 population.
16- North Kesteven
North Kesteven is famous for its Royal Air Force (RAF) history and is also called the “Home of Aviation”. There are huge landscapes, towns, and villages full of culture and history making a huge part of the region green. Yet, the district reported 1 homicide in 2024, resulting in a homicide rate of 2.5 per 100,000 population.
17- Nottingham
You might have heard about the place called Sherwood Forest but very few know that the place is famous for Robbin Hood. Also, Nottingham’s sheriff was always against Robbin Hood. There are many attractions people visit for sightseeing including Nottingham Castle and more. However, the city recorded 6 homicides in 2024, with a rate of 2.4 homicides per 100,000 population.
18- Calderdale
Calderdale is famous for its industrial heritage and arts but there is one other thing that makes the region so beautiful and charming; its huge landscapes. You might have heard about the BBC’s documentary “Last Tango in Halifax”, it was on the charming and beautiful landscapes of Calderdale. The region faced 1 homicide in 2024 equating to 2.4 per 100,000 population.
19- Haringey
Haringey is home of Tottenham Hotspur Football Club and is also famous for the iconic Alexandra Palace (“Ally Pally”). The region is also known as the birthplace of the world’s first regular high-definition television service. Despite having such positive attributes, the region faced 4 homicides in 2024, translating to 2.3 homicides per 100,000 population.
20- Coventry
Coventry is known as the birthplace of the British motor car and is also famous for its rich industrial activities. The region used to be one of the wealthiest due to the tactile and cloth trade. According to the statistics, the residents saw 2 homicides in 2024, resulting in a rate of 2.2 homicides per 100,000 population.
21- Nuneaton & Bedworth
Coal mining is one of the things that made Nuneaton & Bedworth famous in the world and it produced tons of coal to fulfil the demands of the UK. The region is also famous for the birthplace of George Eliot whose real name was Mary Ann Evans. Unfortunately, the area also contends with a homicide rate of 2.2 per 100,000 population, following 1 murder in 2024.
22- Luton
Luton is famous for London Luton International Airport which is one of the busiest in the whole of Europe. Moreover, the region has a history in hatmaking and industrial heritage. Additionally, Luton Town Football Club is one of the things that increased the region’s popularity in England and Wales. When talking about homicide, Luton has faced 4 homicides in 2024 and the overall homicide crime rate is 2.2 per 100,000 population.
23- Moray
Moray is one of the most beautiful places on the planet earth and those who have visited the region say that it is the part of heaven on earth. It is famous for its coastline where people often see dolphins as well. Moreover, the standard of living in the region is so improved that migrants wish to live in Moray.
Now you might be thinking if the region is so beautiful and has an amazing standard of living, what is it doing in the list of worst 25 areas for homicide? In 2024, the region faced 2 homicides which dragged the area in the worst list. The overall homicide crime rate in Moray in 2024 was 2.1 per 100,000 population.
24- Leicester
Leicester is known as the burial place of “King Richard III” who was reburied in the Leicester Cathedral. There are many other things Leicester is famous for including the University of Leicester, Historic architecture, Cultural diversity, and Leicester Market. Leicester is a densely populated area and saw 4 homicides in 2024 equating to 2.1 homicides per 100,000 population. For more crime insights, read our blog post on the most dangerous areas in Leicester.
25- Lewisham
Residents know Lewisham for its rich history, entertainment, and green spaces but there is another thing that tops when it comes to its reputation; education. When talking about history, you can visit Lewisham Arthouse and Horniman Museum and Gardens. For homicide crime, Lewisham was cruel in 2024 and saw 6 homicides making the crime rate 2 homicides per 100,000 population.
How Has Guard Mark Security Sourced This Data?
At Guard Mark Security, we understand the sensitivity of discussing homicide rates across the UK. To ensure accuracy and transparency, we have relied on the latest data from trusted sources, including the Office of National Statistics for England and Wales and the Scottish Government Statistics Database.
Why Is London Not on Our List?
We all know that London is one of the areas with the highest crime rates in the whole of the UK. Moreover, police recorded 111 homicides in 2024 in London making it the worst place for homicides in 2024. London basically is densely populated and contains 32 boroughs in total. So instead of going for the whole of London, we have checked the homicide crime rate in the different boroughs and added those to the list with the worst homicide crime rate in London.
My Area Isn’t Listed Here, But I’m Concerned about Homicide
It is human nature to see our area or town in the headlights to analyse its performance. We have been discussing the top areas of homicide and your concern is legit. But if your location is not on the list, this means that you are not living in the worst places.
Here is a list of some of the most famous and popular areas of the UK with the number of homicides. If you can’t find the area in this list as well, congratulations, you are living in some of the safest and healthiest communities.
| City | Homicides in 2024 | Homicides per 100,000 People |
| Birmingham | 19 | 1.6 |
| Bolton | 0 | 0.6 |
| Bradford | 3 | 0.2 |
| Brighton | 1 | – |
| Bristol | 9 | 1.4 |
| Hull | 5 | 1.1 |
| Leeds | 14 | 0.9 |
| Liverpool | 10 | 0.8 |
| Plymouth | 2 | 1.1 |
| Manchester | 12 | 1.6 |
| Newcastle | 7 | 1.3 |
| Sheffield | 11 | 1.9 |
You might be wondering, the homicide number in these areas is much higher than the above mentioned in the list of the top 25 worst areas for homicide and murder. But still, the overall crime rate of homicide in these areas is lower. The reason is, that some of these areas in the list are highly populated, and when looking at their overall crime rates, it is lesser than the top 25 areas on the list.
