Blades used in nearly half of murders as deaths rise

KNIVES, blades and sharp objects were used in almost half of all murders last year as figures rose.

A total of 61 people were killed in 2018-19, a rise of 2 per cent from the previous year.

Of those, 44 per cent died from wounds caused by a ‘sharp instrument’ including knives, broken bottles, swords and screwdrivers.

Two-thirds of the 46 male victims were killed by an acquaintance, while 60 per cent of the 15 women were killed by a current or ex-partner, the Scottish Government figures show.

Scottish Conservative justice spokesman Liam Kerr said: ‘The SNP repeatedly said it was going to get tough on knife crime, but that doesn’t appear to have happened.’

Figures indicate that 35 per cent of those accused of murder were under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Of all 61 cases, three remain unsolved.

Justice Secretary Humza Yousaf said: ‘While the number of homicides in Scotland is significantly lower than a decade ago, any death is one too many.’