Tackling Fatal Childhood Knife Crime: Data, Trends, and Pathways to Prevention

The Centre for Childhoods and Social Justice in partnership with the National Child Mortality Database presented a webinar titled 'Tackling Fatal Knife Crime in Children' on 21st May 2026. 

During National Knife Crime Awareness Week, the event presented the first national evidence mapping the pre-injury, injury and post-injury factors underpinning child knife fatalities in England.

Drawing on NCMD data from 2019–2024, this research examines knife-related deaths of children under 18 and highlights the urgent need for early, holistic intervention strategies that address children’s experiences of violence long before the moment of harm.

The session featured findings from researchers in Social Policy and Emergency Medicine at the University of Bristol (Dr Jade Levell, Dr Thomas Roberts) alongside an expert speaker from NCMD (Sylvia Stoianova).

Other contributors to the event: include Dr Vicky Sharley (CSJ co-director, University of Bristol), Vicky Sleap (NCMD) and Elizabeth Reddihough (NCMD). 

The recording of the session is below, along with the slides and the policy briefing.