A GRANDFATHER-of-seven is fighting for his life after he was shot in the stomach while in a pub.

The 56-year-old is in a coma following the shooting in the Chequers in Walthamstow High Street.

The man, who has two children, is the father of the pub's licensee John Jon Cannon. Mr Cannon, who did not want his father to be named, spoke of his family's shock.

He also made an appeal for witnesses or anyone with information to contact police.

Mr Cannon, who has been the pub's licensee for two-and-a-half years, said: "We are all devastated, especially my mum. My dad is a big lovable rogue and everyone in the market area knows him.

"He is now in a controlled coma. On Monday he showed some signs of improvement but he is critically ill.

"I am offering my own reward for any information given to police that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever did this. If anyone knows anything about the shooting, I would ask them to contact police and tell them."

Police said Mr Cannon's father was shot on Saturday, April 22, at 1.20am inside the pub, which has a 2am licence.

Det Sgt Patrick Curran of Operation Trafalgar, the police gun crime unit, is leading the investigation. He said the shooting happened after a fight broke out but said that Mr Cannon's father was not involved.

Det Sgt Curran added that after the shooting the pub was evacuated by staff while Mr Cannon helped his father and an ambulance was called immediately.

He said it was quite uncommon for a shooting to happen in such a busy place and urged any witnesses to contact him.

Det Sgt Curran added: "The Met Police continue to investigate gun crime to the fullest.

"However, we do need witnesses to come forward and in this case, we are looking for as much information as possible."

People can contact officers at Operation Trafalgar on 8217 7355 or anonymously call Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.