CHILD KILLINGS RISE

A child under ten is being killed virtually every single week according to new information obtained by Hornchurch and Rainham MP.  In 2007/8, the latest year for which information is available, there were 51 cases of murder or manslaughter of children under the age of 10 – an increase on the 49 victims in 2006/7 and the 38 victims in 2005/6.

The highest numbers of homicides of very young children were in the Metropolitan Police force area with 10 victims, Devon and Cornwall with 5 victims and Leicestershire and South Yorkshire with 4 victims each. The information was supplied to Shadow Crime Reduction Minister James Brokenshire in response to a Parliamentary question.

Commenting James Brokenshire said:

“These disturbing figures highlight the number of young lives that are being lost to violent crime.  It’s shocking to think that the lives of so many infants, toddlers and young children are being cut short. 

“These are some of the most vulnerable members of our community but rather than receiving support and protection too many children are victims of violence.  It underlines the need for more effective safeguards so that children who are at risk are identified before it’s too late.”

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