LONDON (AP) — The homicide rate in London has increased each month so far this year as the British capital suffers from an increase in knife-related crime.

The Metropolitan Police said Monday there were eight homicide inquiries in January, 15 in February and 22 in March. Police reported another homicide on April 1.

If the upward trend continues, there would be substantially more homicides in London in 2018 than took place in 2017.

The violence has alarmed Police Commissioner Cressida Dick, who believes social media is partly to blame. She says social media enflames young people and normalizes violence, making people more likely to commit major crimes.

Dick has announced a substantial task force to combat street violence and said the use of "stop and search" tactics would be increased.