[holding answer 8 May 2008]: Available information relates to the number of homicides recorded by Cheshire police between 1998-99 and 2006-07 and is shown in the following table.
Apparent method Number of homicides Sharp instrument4 26 Blunt instrument 7 Hitting, kicking, etc 19 Strangulation5 9 Shooting6 — Explosion — Burning 2 Drowning — Poison or drugs 6 Motor vehicle7 1 Other 3 Not known 4 Total 77 1 As at 12 November 2007; figures are subject to revision as cases are dealt with by the police and by the courts or as further information becomes available. 2 Data for 2007-08 are not yet published. 3 Offences recorded during financial years 1998-99 to 2006-07 are included. This is not necessarily the same period in which the incident took place or any court decision was made. 4 Includes knives and other sharp instruments. 5 Includes asphyxiation. 6 Includes shooting by crossbow. 7 Excludes death by careless/dangerous driving and aggravated vehicle taking.