Preinjury, injury and post-injury factors leading to death in children and young people who were victims of knife crime in England between 2019 and 2024: a review of the National Child Mortality Database.

Abstract

Background: Knife-related deaths in children present a serious public health challenge. This study reports the demographics and preinjury, injury and postinjury factors associated with death in children and young people (CYP), under the age of 18 years, who died of knife wounds in England between 2019 and 2024.

Methods: A retrospective cohort review of the English National Child Mortality Database between April 2019 and March 2024. Rates of death were corrected for population size using the 2021 census. Preinjury, injury and postinjury factors associated with death are reported descriptively.

Results: 145 CYP died of knife wounds. The mean age was 14.4 years (SD 4.2) and 90.3% (n=131) were male. The rates of death per 100 000 CYP, per year were highest in children of 'Black/Black British' ethnicity (1.40 (95% CI 1.03 to 1.86)), with an incidence rate ratio (IRR) of 13.29 (95% CI 8.23 to 20.00), compared with CYP of 'White' ethnicity. Children living in the most deprived areas, had a greater than seven times higher risk of death (IRR 7.48 (95% CI 3.22 to 17.29), compared to CYP living in the least deprived areas. Of the 57 cases available for detailed analysis, injuries to the chest and neck were responsible for the fatal injuries in 75.9% of cases (n=44) and 60.3% (n=35) died before reaching hospital. A thoracotomy was performed in 56.9% (n=33) of cases. Prior to death, 75.4% (n=43) had been known to social services and 57.9% (n=33) had experienced domestic violence and abuse. Neurodiversity or mental health concerns were reported in 50.9% (n=29) of CYP.

Conclusions: Death of CYP secondary to knife wounds occurred in all regions of England. Many children are exposed to adverse childhood experiences before death and known to statutory services. The identification of interventions to decrease the risk to children from knife violence remains a priority.