The Dutch murder rate continues to fall, with 128 people dying a violent death last year, compared with 142 in 2022, according to police figures. Twenty years ago 247 people were murdered in the Netherlands.

Most murders – 11 – were committed in Rotterdam. In Amsterdam there were 10 and in The Hague nine, the police figures show. Most – 37 – were pledged in Zuid-Holland province. There was just one violent death in Friesland, Groningen and Flevoland.

The total of 128 may still be revised down because several cases are still under investigation, police said.

In total, 26 women were killed by a partner or former partner.

In five of the cases, teenagers are suspected of carrying out the killing, the youngest of whom is just 13. He has been arrested along with a 15-year-old boy in connection with the death of a 42-year-old man in Amsterdam in August.

In the “large majority of cases” a suspect has been identified or arrested but four cases have not yet been solved, the police said.