The Metropolitan Police are to hold a news conference on Thursday in an attempt to trace the killers of Patrick Smith, 33, and his partner Laverne Furbes, 28.

The couple's daughter, who has not been named by police and is believed to be under police guard, looked on in horror as the men broke into the house in Tottenham, north London on Tuesday.

Mr Smith died shortly after arriving at hospital while Ms Furbes lost her fight for life on Wednesday.

Police said she was confronted by two men as she put out the rubbish outside her home in Kessock Close, Tottenham on Tuesday morning.

Clad in black

The killers, who were described as being in their late teens or early 20s and both wearing black clothing, followed her into the house.

They shot the couple in the head and fled on foot as the girl ran into the street screaming.

Armed police arrived on the scene but there was no sign of the gunmen.

The victims were taken to hospital by air ambulance and the daughter was also treated for severe shock.

A Scotland Yard spokesman said they were keeping an open mind about the motive.

He said: "Police conducted a search of the area following the incident but there is no trace of any suspect or suspects.

"We have no description of any suspect or suspects at this stage."

Detective Chief Inspector Lewis Benjamin is expected to release more details about the victims at Thursday's news conference.