Large rise in knife crimes

Recorded knife crimes have more than doubled in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough over the last five years, reflecting a national rise in stabbings.

Home Office figures show Cambridgeshire Constabulary recorded 517 crimes in which knives were used between October 2016 and September 2017, an increase of 157 per cent on the same period in 2012-13.

The most common offence recorded for those crimes was assault with injury, or intent to cause serious harm.

In addition, there were 177 robberies using knives. Other knife crimes included two homicides, six attempted murders and 56 death threats, as well as three rapes and one sexual assault.

On Monday the Home Office published its Serious Violence Strategy which aims to prevent young people being drawn into lives of violence. Home Secretary Amber Rudd said there are strong links between the rise in knife crime and drug dealing.