London (CNN) The deaths of two 17-year-olds in London and Greater Manchester over the weekend have reignited the debate over knife crime in Britain. A rising number of young people are falling victim to knife attacks across the country, especially in the capital, according to official statistics. So far this year, 19 people have been killed in knife-related attacks across Britain, according to the UK's Press Association. Britain's government is under pressure to stem what has been described as a "national crisis." Prime Minister Theresa May faced a backlash on Monday after rejecting claims that years of steep cuts to police forces had contributed to the rising number of knife attacks.

Source: CNN March 05, 2019 14:26 UTC