A 35-year-old mini-cab driver whose car killed a pensioner in South Woodford is wanted by police who fear he may have fled to Pakistan.

Syed Asghar Abbas, also known as Mohammed Asif, owns the blue Toyota Avensis, registration V824 JNL, which killed 86-year-old Norman Lyon in a hit-and-run at 9.05pm.

Mr Lyon was knocked down at the junction of Hermon Hill and Charnwood Drive last Sunday, August 26.

The car was later found nearby in Limes Avenue but police efforts to trace Mr Abbas have proved unsuccessful. They believe he has connections in the Luton area or may have left the country.

Martin Lyon, 53, is shocked by the sudden death of his father and hopes that justice will eventually be served. He said: "I hope that he would turn himself in but I understand from the police that he was a citizen of Pakistan. If that's the case he may have already left the country."

Mr Lyon also paid tribute to his father's life and many achievements such as serving in the British Army during the Second World War including fighting in the battle of El Alamein.

"My father retired 21 years ago. He worked for a long time in Africa, mainly in Uganda, Kenya and Malawi as an insurance broker. He came to Redbridge after his retirement but actually grew up in Plumstead."

"I can only say that he served in the Second World War and survived five years of that fighting in North Africa and Italy without any serious injuries. But then to be killed walking down the road in a safe neighbourhood of London is shocking."

DS Andy Rose is heading up the investigation. He said: "Clearly causing the death of someone is the most serious thing one can do and it must weigh heavily on his conscience.

"We do not know if he was the driver but the car is registered in his name and he is nowhere to be found so we need to trace him if only to eliminate him from our enquires."

Contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 7388 6806 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 if you have any information.