Knife crime epidemic fears as hospitals see 12 victims a day

 Concerns that the UK is experiencing a knife crime epidemic rose yesterday as it emerged there were over 4,000 hospital admissions for knife-related assaults last year alone.

The new figures revealed there were 12 admissions every day in England between 2016 and 2017, a 14pc rise on last year and the highest level for five years.

It came as Amber Rudd held a meeting with police commissioners last night to discuss ways to halt the rise in knife crime after official figures showed there were almost 35,000 crimes involving the weapons in England and Wales last year.

Before yesterday’s meeting, the Home Secretary said: “Under my leadership I want the Home Office to be at the forefront of ensuring the police are using 21st century tech to go after the criminals who want to bring violence to the streets of London and elsewhere.”

Ms Rudd will unveil the Serious Violence Strategy later in the spring.