Christmas tragedy as 5 dead and 6 more injured in three days across UK

Violent crime rates often increase over the festive period, with more violent disorder, riots and affray due to increased alcohol consumption as well as surges in the number of domestic-abuse related calls to the police. 

Christmas 2024 also saw usual rises, with several killed and more injured in separate incidents across the country in the space of just three days. 

In Willesden Green, London, a murder investigation has been launched after a man in his 30s was fatally stabbed at 04:16 GMT on Saturday morning (December 28). 

A man was found suffering serious stab injuries and was pronounced dead on the way to the hospital, the Met Police said. No arrests have been made and enquiries are ongoing, the force added. 

In a separate incident in West London, a man has been charged with four counts of attempted murder after a car collided with a group of people on Christmas Day. Four people were taken to hospital after the incident, with one in a life-threatening condition.

Police officers were called to reports of a crash and a car driving on the wrong side of the road at 12.45am. The incident occurred outside the Sondheim Theatre, which is the London home of the musical Les Miserables.

Meanwhile, in Norton Canes, Staffordshire, a 33-year-old woman, Kirsty Carless, has been charged with the murder of a father-of-six on Christmas Day. 

Officers were called to a report of a man in cardiac arrest at around 3.25am on Wednesday. Despite medical efforts, he died a short time later and has since been identified as Louis Price. 

In a heartbreaking tribute, Mr Price’s family said: “Louis was well-loved by his family and closest friends. He was a well-known member of the community, always had a smile on his face and brought a positive energy to anywhere he went.

“He always had time for anyone and would help anyone he could. Louis was a devoted fisherman, he had a passion for fishing and regularly went away on trips with friends and family. He loved football, he played for a team and was a lifelong supporter of Aston Villa.

“As a family, we are devastated at losing Louis. Life will never be the same without him, he leaves a huge hole in the lives of everyone who knew him. Christmas is a time we have always spent together as a family, to lose Louis at this time is even harder.”

In Milton Keynes, a man has appeared in court, accused of murdering two women in a suspected stabbing at a block of flats on Christmas Day. 

Joanne Pearson, 38, and Teohna Grant, 24, were pronounced dead at the scene in Bletchley after police arrived at 18:36 GMT on 25 December. Jazwell Brown, 49, has also been charged with the attempted murder of Bradley Latter, 29, and of a teenage boy.

The pair were found seriously injured at the address on Christmas Day and taken to hospital, where they remained in a stable condition.

Finally, two men have been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a man who was hit by a car after an argument in a bar on Christmas Day in Blackburn, Lancashire.

Kirk Marsden suffered multiple serious injuries after being hit by a Toyota Land Cruiser, police said. The 37-year-old, from Blackburn, was taken to Royal Preston Hospital but died in the early hours of Boxing Day.

Some charities have reported a 15% increase in domestic abuse-related calls to their helplines during Christmas, according to For Baby’s Sake. 

If you, or someone you care about, is experiencing domestic abuse, you can phone The National Domestic Abuse Helpline to discuss your options: call 0808 2000 247 or use the chatbot on their website.  For more information please look here.