The number of murders in Waltham Forest has risen by almost 150 per cent over the past year.

Figures released yesterday by the Metropolitan Police show the murder rate has risen from two to five from April 2017 to March 2018.

Murder has also risen in the whole of the capital by 44 per cent over the same period.

On Tuesday April 10, Mr Khan held a summit at City Hall which looked at how to tackle a surge in serious crime in the capital after the murder rate rose above 50 this year.

It is now above 60.

The mayor met politicians from all parties including Home Secretary Amber Rudd, as well as Metropolitan Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, but it was closed to the press.

Keith Prince, London assembly member for Havering and Redbridge, criticised the Mayor of London for the spike in murders.

He said: “Sadiq Khan is doing nothing other than holding secret meetings to address the problem.

“The situation is not getting any better under Mr Khan, I fear it is getting worse.

“People need to point the finger at who’s in charge.

“It’s such a disgrace that young people are dying on our streets. He should consider his position.”

Responding to the crime figures, Assistant Commissioner Martin Hewitt, who is responsible for Territorial Policing, said: “The Met continues to experience a very busy and challenging time against the backdrop of significant reductions in resources. I am very concerned about the rise in crime in the capital, particularly murder, violent crime and knife crime.

“Despite the challenges that lay ahead, the Met will continue to focus on bringing offenders to justice, making the streets hostile territory for criminals, supporting victims and working closely with communities.”