Suspected assassin of Russian Banker German Gorbunstov. Image: Met Police

The Russian banker, German Gorbuntsov, 45, shot several times outside his home in Tower Hamlets, is now out of a coma and intensive care, and recovering in an undisclosed hospital under armed guard.

The Mail on Sunday, April 29 2012, alleges that he believes “former business associates with influence in Russia’s highest echelons” may have been behind the assassination attempt. It is also alleged that the attack was motivated because “he was days away from making a formal witness statement about an attempt to murder another financier in Moscow in 2009.”

World exclusive interview with German Gorbunstov

It has been revealed that he received and survived six bullet wounds outside his London flat in Byng Street, E14 at around 19:30hrs on Tuesday March 20 2012.

The Homicide and Serious Crime Command of the Metropolitan Police, who are investigating the shooting, are still appealing for witnesses. They are seeking any information concerning the suspect featured in the CCTV image, who may have been carrying a gun in a bag discarded in the area of Manilla Street, towards Marsh Wall along with a hooded top.

Any witnesses or anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8721 4868 ; if you wish to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

CCTV images released of Gorbuntsov suspect

Former Russian banker shot several times in Tower Hamlets is in a “critical but stable” condition