Surgeon Describes Surge of Knife Injuries Amidst London’s Violent Crime Crisis
St George’s Hospital reports a dramatic increase in stab victims, prompting knife amnesty initiatives and heightened safety measures.
Cleo Kenington, a consultant surgeon at St George’s Hospital in Tooting, London, has disclosed the alarming realities of treating young male stabbing victims, revealing the extreme measures taken to save lives.
In 2023, the hospital's major trauma unit treated 511 stab victims, nearly double the number recorded in the preceding year, highlighting a worsening trend in violent crime within the city.
Kenington stated, "I’ve had to physically remove knives from patients on the operating table to stop them bleeding to death – it can take many teams of surgeons working on them, especially when the knife pierces multiple organs such as the heart and the guts." She emphasized the vulnerability of these patients, stating that they often arrive terrified and pleading for their lives.
Recent data shows that London's stabbing incidents reached 4,063 for the year ending in February 2025, marking a two percent increase from the previous year.
This averages to approximately 11 stabbings per day across the capital.
Among the victims, 2025 saw notable tragedies, including the death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa and 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell, underscoring the devastating impact of knife crime on youth.
In response to the escalating crisis, St George’s Hospital has taken a proactive approach by introducing knife amnesty bins, becoming the first hospital in Britain to do so.
In a recent six-month period, the hospital reported recovering 87 weapons, including machetes and zombie knives, surrendered by the community.
These bins are strategically placed near the hospital's Accident and Emergency department to encourage safe disposal of weapons.
Jacqueline Totterdell, the Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital, affirmed the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Keeping staff and patients safe is our top priority."
The results of these efforts are supported by partnerships with local authorities and organizations like Word 4 Weapons, aimed at mitigating the prevalence of knives on the streets.
Subsequent to the initial success of the amnesty program, plans are in place to install similar bins at St Helier and Epsom Hospitals.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson commented on the government's focus on addressing violence in urban areas, recognizing the critical role hospitals play in managing the consequences of knife crimes.
Last month, the government pledged £9.4 million in funding for the London Violence Reduction Unit, which will facilitate support for youth workers at major trauma centers.
Johnson remarked on the necessity of collaborative efforts to enhance community safety.
Metropolitan Police Commander Hayley Sewart reiterated the profound consequences of knife crime, outlining the focused initiatives undertaken by the police to combat these issues.
She highlighted ongoing operations targeted at violent offenders and measures to reduce access to weapons.
These developments occur against a backdrop of increased concern over youth safety in London, with data showing a decline in teenage victims from 30 in 2021 to 12 in 2024. Law enforcement and health officials continue to address the pervasive issue of knife crime, collaborating to implement preventive strategies and support for affected individuals and families.
In 2023, the hospital's major trauma unit treated 511 stab victims, nearly double the number recorded in the preceding year, highlighting a worsening trend in violent crime within the city.
Kenington stated, "I’ve had to physically remove knives from patients on the operating table to stop them bleeding to death – it can take many teams of surgeons working on them, especially when the knife pierces multiple organs such as the heart and the guts." She emphasized the vulnerability of these patients, stating that they often arrive terrified and pleading for their lives.
Recent data shows that London's stabbing incidents reached 4,063 for the year ending in February 2025, marking a two percent increase from the previous year.
This averages to approximately 11 stabbings per day across the capital.
Among the victims, 2025 saw notable tragedies, including the death of 14-year-old Kelyan Bokassa and 16-year-old Lathaniel Burrell, underscoring the devastating impact of knife crime on youth.
In response to the escalating crisis, St George’s Hospital has taken a proactive approach by introducing knife amnesty bins, becoming the first hospital in Britain to do so.
In a recent six-month period, the hospital reported recovering 87 weapons, including machetes and zombie knives, surrendered by the community.
These bins are strategically placed near the hospital's Accident and Emergency department to encourage safe disposal of weapons.
Jacqueline Totterdell, the Chief Executive of St George’s Hospital, affirmed the importance of these initiatives, stating, "Keeping staff and patients safe is our top priority."
The results of these efforts are supported by partnerships with local authorities and organizations like Word 4 Weapons, aimed at mitigating the prevalence of knives on the streets.
Subsequent to the initial success of the amnesty program, plans are in place to install similar bins at St Helier and Epsom Hospitals.
Policing minister Dame Diana Johnson commented on the government's focus on addressing violence in urban areas, recognizing the critical role hospitals play in managing the consequences of knife crimes.
Last month, the government pledged £9.4 million in funding for the London Violence Reduction Unit, which will facilitate support for youth workers at major trauma centers.
Johnson remarked on the necessity of collaborative efforts to enhance community safety.
Metropolitan Police Commander Hayley Sewart reiterated the profound consequences of knife crime, outlining the focused initiatives undertaken by the police to combat these issues.
She highlighted ongoing operations targeted at violent offenders and measures to reduce access to weapons.
These developments occur against a backdrop of increased concern over youth safety in London, with data showing a decline in teenage victims from 30 in 2021 to 12 in 2024. Law enforcement and health officials continue to address the pervasive issue of knife crime, collaborating to implement preventive strategies and support for affected individuals and families.
