Detectives say Epping drive-by shooting was planned ambush

Police say a gunman who wounded a man at a pre-wedding function in Epping fired up to 10 shots into a large crowd as part of a planned ambush.

Detectives believe a drive-by shooting into a crowd at an Epping function centre was a planned ambush.

One man was wounded while others were fortunate to escape harm when shots rang out on March 10 outside the Grande Reception and Function Centre, where a pre-wedding gathering was being held.

Police say a stolen red Mazda CX5 was driven to the Helm Court venue at 10.45pm before someone on board opened fire.

A 33-year-old man from Docklands who was attending a function suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body.

He did not call an ambulance and instead presented himself to a nearby hospital soon after for treatment.

Those in the CX5, which had fake South Australian number plates, then drove to the WA Smith Reserve in Lalor.

The vehicle was set alight, damaging a clubhouse in the process.

Police are investigating whether they were then picked up or had another vehicle at the reserve to escape in.

Do you know more or have footage of the shooting? Email [e-mail]

The stolen red Mazda CX5 after being set on fire. Picture: Victoria Police

Police have revealed the gunman fired up to 10 shots into the large crowd of men gathered outside the venue.

The victim was running for cover when he was shot in the back.

The bullet became lodged in his spine, requiring delicate emergency surgery to remove.

Armed Crime Squad Detective Inspector Mark Hatt said it was extremely lucky no one else was seriously harmed or killed.

“It was an extremely dangerous incident and very concerning that someone would shoot into a crowd,” he said.

“There was huge potential for serious injury if not death.”

Up to 50 males were outside the wedding venue and witnessed the shooting.

However, they have not been cooperative with police trying to piece together exactly what happened and why.

“A lot of people involved have not been forthcoming with information and the (injured) person was not able to see anything because he was running away when he was shot in the back,” Insp Hatt said.

Grande Reception and Function Centre in Helm Court, Epping. Picture: Google

He said the shooting was targeted and the victim is known to police.

Two or more males were inside the Mazda CX5 when the gunfire began.

“We believe at least five and up to 10 shots were fired,” he said.

Women and children were only metres away, celebrating the upcoming nuptials inside the venue.

Detectives from the armed crime squad believe it was a targeted attack and have released CCTV and an image of the burnt car.

They believe there were multiple witnesses to the incident and that some may have filmed what happened on their mobile phones.

Police have asked those people to come forward, anonymously via Crime Stoppers, if required.

Investigators would also like to hear from anyone with dashcam footage from the vicinity of Cooper St, Edgar St or Dalton Rd in Epping between 10.30pm and 11pm on the night of the shooting.

They have urged those people to call Crime Stoppers anonymously on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppersvic.com.au.