The number of alcohol-related deaths in the UK in 2023 reached its highest since records began in 2001, according to the latest figures from the Office for National Statistics.

There were 10,473 deaths from “alcohol-specific causes” two years ago, although the rate of deaths was down slightly, going from 16.6 deaths per 100,000 people in 2022 to 15.9 per 100,000 people in 2023.

The rate of deaths for people aged 25 to 59 in 2023 fell for the first time since 2020 but the ONS said the rate for 20 to 24 and 60-plus year-olds “remained similar to 2022".

The death rate in 2023 for males was about twice that for females – 21.9 and 10.3 deaths per 100,000 people respectively – which the ONS said was “consistent with previous years".

Scotland and Northern Ireland again had the highest rate of deaths, with 22.6 and 18.5 deaths per 100,000 people respectively. Scotland’s rate was unchanged but Northern Ireland’s fell compared with 2022.

There was an increase in death rates in England and Wales – 15.0 and 17.7 deaths per 100,000 people respectively – compared with 2022.

The highest death rate in England was in the North-East which had 25.7 deaths per 100,000 people while the lowest was in the East of England with 11.5 deaths per 100,000.