The victim of a shooting has died 13 years after falling into a vegetative state as a result of his injuries.

Marvin Couson, 39, died on Saturday night in hospital where he had spent more than a decade unable to speak or do anything for himself.

No-one has ever been charged with the shooting which eventually killed him. 

Marvin's sisters Margaret and Deborah said in a joint statement issued by police: "It has been 13 years, two months, 27 days since Marvin was shot. He has been unable to walk or talk.

"Marvin's suffering has now ended, but ours has only begun. We have visited him every single day and he was not alone when he passed away.

"We want people to look at the picture of Marvin suffering and realise that this is real. By staying silent and not helping police you have allowed the murderer to walk free.

"The person who pulled the trigger needs to be caught and we need justice for Marvin."

Detective Chief Inspector Noel McHugh said: "For 13 years Marvin's family have been at his bedside and now tragically he has succumbed to the injuries he suffered all those years ago.

"We have launched a full murder investigation and despite the passage of time are committed to finding the person who shot Marvin that night."

Marvin Couson, of Darlington Road, West Norwood, was one of a large group who fled the Lime Bar in Curtain Road, Shoreditch after shots were fired at about 3.40am, on May 12, 2002.

Police said: "Outside Marvin's friend saw a red or burgundy Ford Fiesta, thought to contain at least two black men, driving fast along Curtain Road. The vehicle struck him and he grappled with the front seat passenger.

"A gun was then fired and the friend walked back towards the bar to see Marvin lying shot on the ground."

He suffered a gunshot wound to the chest and was aken to the Royal London Hospital with injuries to his heart and internal organs before being transferred to the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney after an operation.

He was 26 years old.

About 600 people were inside the venue for a party and 200 to 300 of them were congregating outside. One man was arrested  on 23 May 2002 but released with no further action.

DCI McHugh added: "It was 13 years ago but people would remember if they were there that night, particularly if they fled the venue in panic at the sound of shots fired

"We know there are potential witnesses who did not speak to police at the time and I would ask them to now please come forward with any information, no matter how small.

"Do not assume that someone else will contact police.

"A lot changes in 13 years and maybe you knew something at the time but were too nervous to speak to us.

"Marvin and his family have been robbed of all the things we take for granted, he was at the Lime Bar simply for a night out with friends and this should not have happened. His family have endured 13 horrendous years and now they no longer have Marvin and they do not have the answers they deserve.

"I would ask those reluctant to speak to police to look at the picture of Marvin lying in his hospital bed and think of his mum and dad when pondering 'do I make that call?"