Russian police help German Gorbuntsov probe

Russian police are taking part in the inquiry over the suspected assassination attempt on Russian banker German Gorbuntsov.

Mr Gorbuntsov is in a critical but stable condition after being shot several times near his flat near Canary Wharf at about 19:30 GMT on 20 March.

The Metropolitan Police has now confirmed it is receiving help from Russian counterparts.

Met detectives also said they had found a weapon, said to be a pistol.

It is the first time Russian and British police have co-operated on an investigation since the diplomatic row after the poisoning of Alexander Litvinenko.

Mr Litvinenko, 43, died of radioactive polonium-210 poisoning in November 2006.

British prosecutors named former KGB agent Andrei Lugovoy as the main suspect - but Russian authorities refused to send him to the UK.

Mr Gorbuntsov is under armed guard in hospital.

Police are trying to trace a Hackney cab driver who dropped Mr Gorbuntsov off at his exclusive block of flats shortly before he was attacked.

The alleged assassin is described as white, 6ft tall and slim.

A Met spokesman said: "The shooting is not thought to be gang-related or linked to any other incidents in Tower Hamlets.

"Officers retain an open mind regarding the motive for the attack at this time."