A spike in violent crime in London saw more murders committed in the city in February and March than there were in New York, figures show.
So far in 2018, 46 people have been fatally stabbed, shot or injured in London compared with 50 in the US city.
But, while New York’s rate month-on-month has decreased since January, London’s is on the rise.
Ex-Met Police Ch Supt Leroy Logan says it is proof that “London’s violent traits have become a virus”.
Statistics from the New York Police Department (NYPD) and the Metropolitan Police, reported in the Sunday Times and obtained by the BBC, highlight narrowing murder rates between the two cities which have similar population sizes.
London murder rate overtakes New York's on @BBCNews https://t.co/hT5wJAzalL pic.twitter.com/Tba13yHtOT
— Will Corry (@slievemore) April 2, 2018