A journalist from the Essex and East London Enquirer was interviewed on BBC news last week, warning that a recent stabbing may have been linked to previous incidents.

James Redgrave, (24), was on television after three students were stabbed outside a college in Hornchurch.

In January James, who has been a reporter at The Enquirer for two years, exclusively reported fears a mass brawl outside Upminster Bridge tube station on January 9 was linked to 'gang wars' between rival gangs of college students.

James said: "It shows the importance of local newspapers in obtaining detailed knowledge of their areas which even large organisations with their resources cannot match.

"The BBC obviously recognised the importance of the previous incident in bringing a fresh angle to the story which would not have been possible without this local knowledge."

The latest incident left two teenagers in hospital after three 18-year-olds were stabbed by a group of men outside Havering College of Further and Higher Education.

James enjoyed his experience of being interviewed by BBC London journalist Gareth Furby.

He said: "When you have something valuable to say it's satisfying to be given the widest possible outlet to do so and I enjoyed the opportunity to work through a different news medium."