DETECTIVES are still hunting the killer who gunned down young father Marcus Paul near Wanstead Flats.

Mr Paul, 22, was shot when he pulled over and got out of his red Fiat Punto in Little Ilford Lane, on Tuesday, July 27, just before 6pm.

The killer fled north along Little Ilford Lane before turning right into Romford Road in a black Mercedes C230 SE, registration LX03 XNR.

Police are still appealing for witnesses and urge all Wanstead residents to be on the look-out for this car, which they believe is the key to their investigation, and may have been abandoned or is stillbeing driven in the area.

Witnesses told police they saw Mr Paul talking to a black man, aged between 22 and 25, 5ft 10 ins tall, wearing a light-coloured top before he was shot.

Mr Paul, of Sally Murray Close, Ilford, was taken to King George Hospital by a passer-by but later died from his wounds.

Leading the investigation Det Ch Insp Richard Freeman said officers are keeping an open mind on the killer's motive.

The 22-year-old has an 18-month old son.

His family described Mr Paul "as a gentleman who always had a smile on his face".

Anyone with information is asked to call 8733 4704 or call crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.