Stabbing in the year’s first quarter have almost doubled since 2015, figures reveal.
Reported blade attacks totalled 662, a rise of 95%, with 66 victims killed.
Campaigners Anti-Knife UK told the Mirror, which wants Government action to halt the scourge: “Our figures are the tip of the iceberg, as many stabbings go unreported.”
Knifings reported in January to March rose steadily from 340 in 2015 to 482 last year, said the charity – but soared 37% over the last three months compared with 2018.
Anti-Knife UK chief Danny O’Brien said: “Stabbing fatalities are down but incidents are up significantly.
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“To see a rise of almost 200 attacks over the period in one year is shocking.
"Surgeons are at the front line of this UK-wide epidemic and must take credit for the work they do.”
The Mirror demands the Tories tackle rising knife crime by boosting police numbers and powers.
"We want social services cuts reversed, schools’ awareness raised and pupil referral units improved.
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Bereaved Sally Holder said the Government has done “nothing significant” to halt the crisis since son Rob Knox, 18, was stabbed to death at Sidcup, south-east London, in 2008.
The Harry Potter actor’s murderer was jailed for life and Sally, 61, now runs the Rob Knox Foundation to raise awareness of knife crime.
“Things have not changed since my son’s killing,” she said. “ Theresa May claimed police cuts are not linked. I think she’s deluded.”
Sally said pupil referral units did not work, insisting they are “finishing schools” for youngsters destined for crime.
“This is about prevention,” she added. “We need to get in early with primary pupils to affect change.
Knife deaths this year include Jodie Chesney, 17, in Romford, Essex; Yousef Makki, 17, in Hale Barns, Manchester; Jaden Moodie, 14, in Leyton, London; and Hazrat Umar, 18, in Birmingham.
