ES News email The latest headlines in your inbox twice a day Monday - Friday plus breaking news updates Enter your email address Continue Please enter an email address Email address is invalid Fill out this field Email address is invalid You already have an account. Please log in Register with your social account or click here to log in I would like to receive lunchtime headlines Monday - Friday plus breaking news alerts, by email Update newsletter preferences

Ukip has sparked outrage after apparently distributing a leaflet blaming London mayor Sadiq Khan for rising knife crime in London.

The flyer features the words "Stop the Khanage" inside the outline of a knife, advising readers to vote for local Ukip candidate David Kurten.

At least 37 people have been fatally stabbed - and more than 60 murdered - in the capital since the beginning of the year as violent crime continues to rise.

The leaflet provoked outrage online, with one commentator describing it as "vile".

Sharing the image online, former Labour advisor Tom Hamilton wrote: "I regret to inform you that Ukip are very, very bad."

Vicky Foxcroft, MP for Lewisham Deptford, said: "This is a nasty leaflet full of lies which trivialises the serious problem of violent crime across the UK.

"In Lewisham, we celebrate our diverse community and we are confident that people here will reject this nonsense."

Mandu Reid, the local candidate for the Woman's Equality Party, slammed the leaflet, saying: "It is real. And it's appalling.

"It's time to bring down the Kurten on divisive politics. It's time to do politics differently."

A Ukip spokesman defended the leaflet, telling the Standard: "It is clear to us and everyone in London that the capital's appalling butcher's bill is only getting worse.

"Mr Khan appears to be more interested in chasing down a few hundred people online than he is in the appalling tide of murder and assault on our streets. Kids are dying.

"He refuses to bring back stop-and-search because he is worried it might be perceived as racist - but we are worried about the young people dying. Where are Labour's priorities?"

The Lewisham East by-election was triggered following the resignation of Labour MP Heidi Alexander.

The vote is scheduled to take place on June 14.

A spokesman for the Mayor declined to comment.