A lifting hook, its safety latch and a locking and releasing device of the safety latch are disclosed. The lifting hook includes a hook body having a hook stem and tip. The safety latch is pivotably fastened close to the stem so as to move the safety latch between an open position and a closed position, the safety latch being in its open position substantially against the inside of the hook body in a position that leaves a hook jaw free, while in the closed position a latch end extends across the hook jaw to the hook tip, closing the jaw on the inside thereof. The locking and releasing device of the safety latch includes a locking element that engages the inner surface area of the hook jaw at a distance below the fastening end of the safety latch, and a releasing lever that when turned, releases the locking element.