DETECTIVES are making a fresh appeal for witnesses on the first anniversary of the murder of Patrick Pasipanodya.

The 29-year-old actor from Farmilo Road, Walthamstow, was shot dead in Picketts Lock Lane, Lower Edmonton, on Tuesday, August 21, last year.

Despite extensive inquiries, the killer remains at large.

After reports of gunfire, police were called at 10.50pm to the scene near the section of Picketts Lock Lane where the road becomes Lee Park Way.

On arrival they found Mr Pasipanodya, also known as Patrick Pasi, dying from a gunshot wound to the chest. It is believed he and his girlfriend were in a blue VW Golf driving over a speed bump when shots were fired into the car from a bike, which went north towards Picketts Lock. Information is that either one or two people on a motorbike were responsible for the shooting.

A motorbike was spotted waiting in Advent Way, close to the murder scene, shortly before the killing.

Det Insp Martin Johnson, the investigating officer from the Serious Crimes Group East, said: "The murder was a tragic event and there must be people out there who know who killed Mr Pasipanodya.

"I would appeal for anyone to come forward in the strictest confidence to help us solve this dreadful crime."

There are a number of witnesses police are keen to trace, though their sex is not known because they were wearing helmets.

They were seen on motor scooters talking at the junction of Advent Way and Lee Park Way at about 10.45pm.

The first is described as white, 5ft 8ins to 5ft 10ins and of medium build, wearing light blue jeans, a thin, dark, lightweight jacket and white trainers. The helmet was white and full-faced and may have had a pattern or transfer on it. This person had a Peugeot or Piaggio scooter, 80 to 125cc, red and about a year old.

The second person was white, about the same height and build, wearing dark tracksuit bottoms and white trainers. The helmet in this case was black and full-faced and the scooter was similar to the other, but darker.

A red Vauxhall Cavalier was also seen in the area around the time of the shooting. Police have been unable to trace the driver.

Detectives are equally keen to hear from anyone who can shed light on Mr Pasipanodya's background.

As an extra, he appeared in episodes of The Bill and Minder.

It is believed he also previously worked as a doorman in Westminster.

He was said to have been a martial arts enthusiast.

Two people are currently on bail after being arrested on April 10 in connection with the killing.

A 35-year-old man was taken from Hertfordshire to Chingford police station and will return next month.

A 26-year-old woman from Palmers Green was taken to Edmonton police station and will also return on bail next month.

Anyone with information should contact the incident room on 8345 3734 or, to remain anonymous, contact CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.

August 19, 2002 15:00