Police have made a fresh appeal for information about a contract killing carried out by a Waltham Abbey hitman which may have been a case of mistaken identity.

Christopher Pearman is currently serving a 23-year jail term for the murder of Rocky Dawson in May 2006.

Mr Dawson, 24, was standing next to his silver Fiat Punto, which contained his two young children, in Ardleigh Green Road, Hornchurch, when he was gunned down.

The children, a two-year-old boy and a six-year-old girl, were unharmed.

Police later found a blue Land rover Freelander burnt-out on Mellish Way at the junction with Slewins Lane.

James Walter Tomkins was also jailed for the killing after fleeing to Spain and is serving a 33-year sentence.

Detective Inspector Mark Lawson, of the Homicide and Major Crime Command, said: "We already have two men serving lengthy jail terms for Rocky's murder but the motive for his killing has never been fully established - it may have been a case of mistaken identity.

"What we do know is that this was a contract killing and there are likely to be people involved in organising the murder who have yet to be brought to justice.

"Rocky's life was prematurely cut short just as it had begun. He was a devoted father who was well-loved and respected by his friends and family. Rocky's two young children witnessed this crime and one only narrowly missed being injured.

"As Christmas approaches, Rocky's children must again face the festive season without their father and Candy is desperate to understand exactly what happened to her son and see all those responsible behind bars."

Anyone with information can call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or the police incident room on 020 8358 0200