Liam Kerr

The number of murders, attempted murders and serious assaults all increased in the year to 31 March.

Non-sexual crimes of violence totalled 8,008, up from 7,268 in the year before – a 10.2 per cent increase.

Sexual crimes rose by 7.3 per cent to 13,457.

The single force said it was detecting the equivalent of 90 extra crimes a week compared to the previous year.

Attempted murders rose by 23.5 per cent to 310.

Deputy chief constable Will Kerr said: “Our officers are working hard every day and the increase in detections is testament to their commitment to keeping people safe. Reports of sexual crime continue to increase, which is to be welcomed, but we are aware that sexual crime remains under-reported.

“Any violent crime is unacceptable and these offences have a significant impact on victims, families and communities. We are working closely with our partners to better understand and prevent violent crime.

“We have also seen positive results from stop and search, indicating a growing confidence in officers’ use of the tactic, which removes more than 600 weapons from the streets every year.”

Liam Kerr, Scottish Conservative justice spokesman, said: “These shocking figures expose the reality that despite the SNP’S claims, violent crime is increasing at an astonishing rate.

“The SNP must support Police Scotland to tackle the perpetrators of this violence and abandon their plans to abolish short-term sentences immediately.”