Five deaths in a series of shootings and stabbings in south London have dominated the pages of the South London Press during the past two weeks.

The twice-weekly paper’s coverage has included interviews with victims’ families, friends, neighbours and community leaders – all of whom have been keen to speak to their local paper.

But although the community has embraced the Press, the story is taking its toll on editorial staff.

Crime reporter Leon Watson – who joined the paper in December – has spent hours speaking to the grieving families of victims in Peckham, Streatham and Clapham North.

Editor Hannah Walker said: “He is emotionally shattered.

“Whilst there is nothing comparable to a family’s grief at losing a loved one, it is incredibly hard for a local newspaper reporter to introduce themselves at a time of such trauma. A news reporter is a stranger to the family arriving at an incredibly personal time.

“The key is sensitivity whilst getting the facts absolutely right.”

Hannah said readers expected the South London Press to cover the story in-depth, giving them the full story, and so it had been given the prominence it deserved.

She said: “We can’t be blasé about it – this is our area and these are children that have been killed.”

She added: “Most of our team live in the area, drink in the area and know the streets, which helps.

“What we have found is that people are relieved to speak to the South London Press – it is their newspaper, and sadly most of the people involved are readers.

“They want to tell their story to friends and family and they trust and respect the paper.”

While much of the national media may currently be portraying south London as a dark, crime-ridden area, the South London Press has been careful not to damn the area.

The paper is taking the story forward by asking readers how to solve the problems and it is pressing the Government to be more pro-active.

Hannah said: “Whether we like it or not gun culture is part of youth culture in south London.

“While everyone is in shock, south London is very strong and everyone is looking for solutions.”