A third of reported cases of violence in London are domestic and conviction rates in the capital are well below the national average, it has been revealed.

Figures released by the Mayor’s Office for Policing And Crime (MOPAC) show domestic violence accounts for 34 per cent of all cases of violence which resulted in injury.

More than 24,000 cases were reported to the police last year, an increase of 16 per cent on 2013, and conviction rates are 12 per cent below the national average.

A new London domestic violence service was announced by Boris Johnson yesterday which will co-ordinate advice and support services for the first time, in attempt to increase convictions. 

It will be led by charities Victim Support and Safer London Foundation, which will work with the police, local authorities, and Crown Prosecution Service.

Boris Johnson said: “We've worked hard with the Met to give victims of abuse more confidence to come forward, and I’m glad to see this is happening, but there is still a huge amount to be done.

“This is a horrendous and frightening crime and all victims should have all the support they need, no matter where they live, which this new service will guarantee.  

“But we’ve also got to get tough on the perpetrators of abuse by making it very clear that domestic violence in form will not be tolerated and give victims who have the courage to report abuse the support they need to get the justice they deserve.”