The number of recorded homicides has fallen to its lowest level in almost 30 years, figures from last year have shown.

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released the 2011/2012 crime numbers, which have revealed the state of recorded criminal activity in the UK.

550 murders, manslaughters and infanticides were reported, and the number is down 14 per cent from 638 in 2010/11.

This figure is the lowest since 1983.

There was further good news, as figures revealed that the total number of recorded crimes fell to 3.9 million.

This is the first time crime stats have fallen below four million since 1989.

However, pickpocketing and thefts of personal belongings rose 2 per cent .