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As the ONS graph shows, homicides fluctuate over time. In England + Wales after a sharp fall they began rising in 2015. There wasn't a good understanding of why. So we started an investigation, tracking the first 100 killings across the UK at the start of 2019.
We wanted to make sure the victims were not forgotten, that their stories were told and their families were given a voice. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-47476217
We noticed how many of the killings were stabbings. Although a worrying number involved young people on the street, many were domestic violence homicides, what an expert described as 'the invisible knife crime' that often gets left out of media reporting. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-48186035
Further research established that despite government initiatives domestic violence killings across the UK hit a 5-year high in 2018. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-49459674
We noticed how many of the 100 killings were caused by an excess of drugs and alcohol. Some were high-profile turf wars between drug gangs but often they were petty disputes settled by poor decision-making, leaving devastated families in their violent wake. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-51007771
Most of the 100 Killings ended with convictions. We saw examples of brilliant work by police and prosecutors to deliver justice for bereaved families. Sometimes this was done against a 'wall of silence' with people unwilling to help. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50855299
There was some good news. The number of homicides in the UK fell in 2019, though it rose again in London. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-50925024
Travelling across the UK, sitting in on trials in dozens of towns + cities we heard stories of heartbreak + suffering, of damaged lives + terrible violence. We are grateful to the families who, despite their grief, shared their stories. And to police, lawyers + many others.
The work was done by a huge team of brilliant colleagues inc @T_Mackintosh @WesStephenson @davidxxbrown @BBCTomSymonds @DannyShawNews @sarahkatelee_ @JodiLaw supported by @Liz_Shaw @rburgessbbc @BellaHurrell + Emma Atkinson. Thanks you all + apologies if I missed someone.
I should reserve a special mention to my fantastic colleague Jeremy Britton who works from the Old Bailey. He is one of the finest court reporters in the country, is unfailingly helpful with cases + is an all-round good egg.
