A shooter is on the run after a man was killed in central Melbourne, prompting an urgent appeal from police for witnesses to the “horrific incident” to come forward.
A man was found with gunshot wounds on Langford St in Melbourne’s north around 3.15am on Saturday.
He died instantly and has not yet been formally identified.
Acting Victoria Police Inspector Alan Rumble said people were returning home from the scene in the semi-industrial area at the time of the shooting.
“It’s a horrible incident, it’s something none of us wanted to experience, neither the police nor the local community,” he told reporters at the scene.
“Our real goal here today is to follow up, identify all lines of inquiry, investigate those and ensure that the victim’s family has support at this horrific time.”
Det Act Inspector Rumble did not reveal how many shots were fired, but said there was no ongoing threat to the community.
“Whether you are a friend, a family member or just a passerby, I can understand that this is a horribly emotional scene to experience,” he said.
The crime scene is close to a train station, a major road, warehouses and a stream.
Several nearby venues are hosting events and Detective Inspector Rumble said “emotions were running high” at the time.
“It is possible that someone witnessed what happened and we really want to take this opportunity to appeal to those witnesses to come forward to speak to the police,” he said.
Additional officers are patrolling the area and detectives remain at the crime scene.
Anyone with relevant footage or who saw what happened is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
