The wife of the Russian banker shot in east London has appealed today for witnesses following last week’s attempted murder of her husband.

Lorissa Gorbuntsov has issued a statement through Scotland Yard on behalf of her family, while her husband German is recovering in hospital.

“This is a very emotional and complicated time for us,” it says. “This is an act of pure, unexpected violence, which should be treated as so.

“We as a family would like to appeal for any person, in this country or outside the UK, to come forward and provide the police with any information which will assist in the capture of the person or persons behind the attempted murder of my husband German.”

It adds: “I would like to thank everyone who is currently helping and supporting us, especially the Metropolitan Police whose support has been of the highest standard.”

The 54-year-old banker was hit several times by pistol fire on March 20 as he entered his luxury block of flats at Byng Street in Millwall, close to Canary Wharf.

He had arrived by taxi from Bishopsgate, where he was picked up at 7pm. He was shot after being dropped off. Police are trying to trace the cabbie.

The suspect described as white, 6ft tall, slim build, and wearing a dark hooded top, who was seen running towards Marsh Wall and Canary Wharf.

A witness appeal has been put out for anyone who may have been in Byng Street at 7.30pm on March 20 or anyone with information to contact the incident room on 020-8733 4212, or dial 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800-555111.