The number of murder and manslaughter cases fell by 10% last year, reflecting a general decline in violent offences.

The figures in the public prosecution service’s annual report also show there were 9% fewer cases of threatening behaviour and 4% fewer cases of physical abuse.

Burglaries declined by 7%, while there was a 19% drop in the number of armed robberies.

Other forms of theft were more prevalent, with shoplifting up 12%, thefts of bicycles and scooters rising by 5% and a 19% increase in pickpocketing cases.

The prosecution service said juvenile offenders were disproportionately likely to be involved in violent crime, which accounted for 14% of all youth justice cases.

In total prosecutors dealt with around 300,000 criminal cases, slightly fewer than in 2022, but the number of cases concluded increased to 177,000.

The prosecution service said tackling organised crime was one of its main priorities, with nearly 2,500 cases involving some form of criminal association.

The use of explosives was another concerning trend, as police recorded 900 attacks in the last year.

“Criminals literally come to the front door, with all the associated consequences and feelings of unrest for the surrounding neighbourhoods,” the annual report stated.