Police seek key witness over club murder

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Syed Mehdi, 24, was shot three times at close range by a hooded gunman outside the Blue Ice Bar in Ilford.

Detectives believe the 6ft 7in tall and 30 stone doorman - whose nickname was Zed - was the victim of a deliberate hit'.

They are trying to trace three witnesses - including the youth pictured here - who met the gunman moments before the shooting in Cranbrook Road on Saturday, March 1, 2008.

CCTV cameras caught the suspect apparently asking the three men for directions near Ilford railway station.

Mr Mehdi, a Pakistani national, had only arrived in Britain a few years ago. He was not known to be involved in crime and police are still trying to establish a motive for the murder.

Detective Sergeant Shaun Wright said: "This was not a random attack. There were no words spoken, the suspect walked up to the victim and pointed the gun at him from almost point blank range.

"He was clearly targeted. He waited for two girls who were queuing to go into the club before he walked up and fired the shots.

"These three young men are crucial to the inquiry. They are purely witnesses but we must speak to them."

Mr Mehdi was shot three times with the gangsters favourite weapon, a converted Baikal pistol.

Police announced they are offering a £20,000 reward for information leading to the conviction
of killer.

Anyone with information should call the incident room on 020 8733 4758 or ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.