LEWISHAM'S top police officer has tried to reassure residents following the latest in a string of killings.
There have been at least eight violent deaths in the New Cross area over the past four years, leading one resident to describe it as being like "the Wild West".
In the latest incident, 24-year-old Nathan Williams of Kennington was found in a VW Golf suffering from gunshot wounds in Ludwick Mews at 1.30am on July 28.
An ambulance took him to a south London hospital but he was pronounced dead at 2.11am.
Just months ago, on April 21, an 18-year-old was shot in broad daylight around the corner in Nynehead Street.
And three years ago, 29-year-old Ludwick Mews resident Jason Gale-Bent died just yards away in Woodpecker Path after being stabbed in the chest by a gang.
News Shopper asked Lewisham police's new borough commander what was being done about the violence.
Chief Superintendent Jeremy Burton said: "It's not going to be solved overnight, clearly, as we are talking about crime over quite a few years - but we are unpicking the issues down there and responding appropriately.
"Some of it will be around short-term visibility - some around how the borough collectively responds to knife crime, gun crime and how we respond to some of our anti-social behaviour.
"There really is a cohesive response to this which the community is involved in."
He added: "We have stepped up patrols in the area overnight since the tragedy. We are working with council wardens to increase our visible presence on the street."
Police are looking for four men in connection with Mr Williams’ murder..
This evening, officers and Mr Williams’ cousin will visit the scene, where flowers have been left in tribute, to appeal for information.
No arrests have been made.
Anyone with information should call 020 8247 4554 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
NEW CROSS: A HOTSPOT OF DEADLY VIOLENCE
June 29, 2008 - French students Gabriel Ferez and Laurent Bonomo stabbed 244 times in Sterling Gardens
October 2, 2007 - Care worker Magda Pniewska, 26, dies after being caught in crossfire in John Williams Close
April 15, 2007 - Xing Xing Xie stabbed and beheaded in Knoyle Street
September 17, 2006 - Jason Gale-Bent stabbed in Woodpecker Path
July 25, 2005 - Peter Buahin, 23, shot dead in Woodpecker Road
March 28, 2005 - Orville Davidson, 25, shot dead in Bawtree Road
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