A retrospective study was undertaken of 124 patients admitted with gunshot and stab wounds between January 1980 and the end of June 1985. The present series found an almost equal number of gunshot wounds (65) and stabbings (59), with an increasing incidence. The patients fell heavily into the categories of being male (88.7%), in their twenties (42%) and having consumed alcohol (52% when documented). There were 77 cases of assault, with 50 of these being caused by persons known to the victim, whilst violent crimes and prison riots accounted for the rest. The majority of injuries occurred outside normal working hours, with 62% arriving at the hospital between 8 pm and 8 am. There were 14 deaths (11.3%), usually within the first 4 h, with all but one occurring in the first 24 h. Gunshot wounds resulted in a higher mortality rate (16.9% cf. 5%) and longer hospital stay.