The Metropolitan Police have identified the victim as Wilson Alexandre Garcia Varela, who lived in Forest Gate but was killed in the Camden Town near the centre of the British capital.

"Although our investigation is proceeding at a rapid pace, the reason for this shooting remains uncertain. It is difficult to see what might have led to the murder and we need someone to tell us why it happened," said Chief Inspector Simon Stancombe.

So far no arrests have been made and police investigations are continuing with a focus on a two-person motorcycle that was reportedly circulating and waiting for some time nearby.

Video footage shows the motorcycle with suspects circulating in the area where the Portuguese man was found and displaying a firearm, which they fired at close range in the direction of the Portuguese victim.

Stancombe said he wanted to know why Wilson Varela was targeted by the shooting and wonders if he really was the target of the crime.

London police said they had received information about the shooting at Malden Road shortly before midnight and said they had found the injured Portuguese man at the scene, but he was pronounced dead shortly thereafter at 12:10 am on 9 September.

An autopsy on 10 September concluded that the cause of death was a gunshot to the chest.

A spokesman for the family, quoted in a police statement, recalled the victim as "an inspiration."

"You will always be a living legend to us all, your spirit will guide us forever and ever as you used to. Thank you for being an inspiration to so many people," he said.