London has become one of the most violent places to live in the country after a spate of murders in the capital this year, according to figures.

The list of the most violent places to live in England, published today, now includes four London boroughs.

The data from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust based on Home Office statistics shows North Manchester recorded the highest number of violent crimes per 1,000 people but the City of Westminster, Hackney, Southwark and Lewisham all entered the top ten most violent places to live this year.

In 2006/07 only one London borough, Tower Hamlets, appeared in the top ten but has now moved out of the ten most violent places. The list was compiled for the first time last year.

Steven Gauge, chief executive of the Suzy Lamplugh trust, said: “The four places which have jumped the most in these rankings are all in London and Boris Johnson and his team need to find out what has been going on in these areas over the last year."

There were 44 violent offences against the person per 1,000 people in North Manchester between April 2007 and April 2008.

The City of Westminster police recorded 36 such incidents per 1,000 residents putting it fourth in the list of most violent places to live and Hackney came seventh with 34. Southwark and Lewisham had 33 violent crimes for every 1,000 people putting them in joint ninth place.

Dorset, Norfolk and Kent are among the safest places to live in the country in terms of levels of violent crime.

Crimes classed as violence against the person include knife and gun attacks, grievous bodily harm, actual bodily harm, murder, attempted murder and assault. Sexual assaults are not included.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust was set up after Suzy Lamplugh, 25, disappeared while working as a London estate agent in 1986. Her body has never been found.

The trust, established by her mother and father, pushed for legislation over issues including registration of minicabs and help for vulnerable young people.

Most Violent Places

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