Latest statistics from Norfolk Police show Paragon Place, off Earlham Road, to be the residential area with the most violent crime in Norwich.

The figures indicated that a total of 53 incidents - equating to 4.4 per month on average - were recorded in the area during 2025.

Of the cases reported, 77.4pc resulted in authorities being unable to prosecute a suspect.

Paragon Place is the most dangerous residencial place to live according to police data (Image: Google)

People living in the area said they have experienced worsening conditions there and believe much of the issues are due to drugs.

They say criminals use the area as a rat run to escape the law.

Ed Cousins, 44, who has a garage in Paragon Place, said: "Norwich is a safeish place but nobody is immune to the degradation.

Ed Cousins who has a garage at Paragon Place (Image: Jack Warren)

"The whole social net is collapsing and the people at the lowest will get forgotten about first. We need more enforcement.

"It reflects the broader degeneration in society. There is a real confluence of social classes here."

The estate was also the site of the murder of Oliver Payne in 2024 and police remain under pressure to say why they will not name the suspect, who has been on the run for 18 months.

Paragon Place in Norwich, where Oliver Payne was fatally stabbed on August 2 (Image: Newsquest)

A man, who asked to remain anonymous, said: "This is one of the most dangerous places to live in Norwich.

"My partner is now pregnant again so we are thinking of moving. It has got worse.

"We’ve had quad bikes and motorbikes going up and down - it’s an easy escape for criminals. The other night we had kids doing graffiti and kids throwing bottles at our window.

"We said about putting some light up and the council refused - they don’t care about us lot. We feel neglected.

"I wouldn’t want my daughter walking through the flyover."

The underpass at Paragon Place (Image: Denise Bradley)

Others who live on the estate say they do not believe the statistics properly represent the character of the area.

John O’Sullivan, 76, who has lived there for 15 years, described drama "kicking off now and again".

"I moved to Norwich about fifty years ago and compared to London it's a doddle," he said. "It's why I moved here. It is a beautiful city.

John O'sullivan who was lived in the estate for 15 years (Image: Jack Warren)

"People who live here aren’t the problem. Alcohol is probably the main instigator."

A 35-year-old man, who lives in the area but also asked to remain anonymous, said: "I’ve been here since August.

"I’ve got a camera and I’ve not seen anything happen here.

"The statistics will say what they say. I would presume that it must happen indoors. It’s a low income area. I would assume a high incidence of drug and alcohol.

"The lighting is not particularly great. The underpass is poorly lit and has no security measures.

"It’s not swimming in community vibes but it’s not hostile either."

The other two most dangerous places to live according to the police data are William Kett Close near Riverside Road, with a total of 44 violent crimes, and Cadge Close in Earlham, with 32 incidents recorded in 2025.

Of the incidents recorded in William Kett Close, 72.7pc of them resulted in police being unable to prosecute a suspect.

William Kett Close in Norwich (Image: Google)

Amenities in the area include Kett's Heights and Bishop Bridge, as well as a supported housing service for the homeless operated by St Martins Housing Trust.

Cadge Close is a seemingly quiet residential street near Norwich Primary Academy and Cadge Road community centre.

Of the incidents recorded in Cadge Close, 75pc resulted in authorities being unable to prosecute a suspect.

© Norwich Evening News