Man shot dead in North Melbourne identified as budding rapper Pal Bidong

The shooting death of a budding rapper at a Halloween rave in North Melbourne is tipped to spark a “revenge attack” as alleged gang links are revealed.

There are warnings of bloody retribution over the alleged gang-linked killing of young budding rapper Pal Bidong.

The rapper, known as Peezy, was gunned down by an unknown shooter early Saturday morning in North Melbourne following a Halloween rave.

Prominent leader of Victoria’s South Sudanese community and lawyer Kot Monoah issued a public warning to families in the western suburbs to keep their kids at home amid fears of an imminent retaliation attack.

“We have been credibly and reliably informed that there is a potential for a revenge attack in the next few days,” Mr Monoah warned.

“Please tell young people to be home overnight and not be moving. Lock your doors and call Triple triple-0 for safety. If your children’s houses are marked and known, please seek alternative accommodation.”

Pal Bidong was shot dead in North Melbourne in the early hours of Saturday. Picture: Instagram

Mr Monoah linked the killing of Peezy to an “East v West” gang feud, saying it was his responsibility to warn the community to save lives.

Pal Deng Pur, leader of the Nuer Community in Victoria, called for calm.

“This is a moment for us to show our strength as a community by rejecting negativity and standing firmly against violence,” he wrote online.

Mr Bidong, believed to be aged in his early 20s, was shot and killed on Langford St about 3.15am on Saturday.

The gunman remains on the run.

The shooting death is believed to have sparked an intense and violent brawl in the street as police attempted to guard the crime scene.

Fans have paid tribute to rapper Pal Bidong, known as “Peezy”. Picture: Instagram

Nyot Bidong paid tribute to his slain brother, describing him as a “beacon of light to everyone who knew him”.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share the tragic loss of my beloved brother, Pal, who was taken from us far too soon,” he said.

“His caring nature, kind soul, and boundless love made him an amazing brother, a devoted son, and the most joyful uncle to his niece and nephew.”

An online fundraiser has been established to help the family pay for his funeral.

Melbourne’s rap scene and the victim’s fans paid tribute to “Peezy” online as they learnt of Saturday morning’s deadly shooting.

“I found out (he) lost his life late last night. Cannot believe it,” one online tribute read.

“Love you my brother … One of a kind,” another wrote.

“Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy),” one post read.

The scene of the brawl in North Melbourne. Picture: 7News

Police at the scene as partygoers fight. Picture: 7News

The fight escalates. Picture: 7News

One teenager was reportedly arrested over an alleged assault of a police officer while others were seen kicking rivals as they were pinned to the ground.

The deadly attack is believed to have occurred shortly after a rave at nearby venue The Third Day, with revellers spilling out onto the street discovering the gruesome scene.

The venue’s phone line appeared to have been disconnected on Saturday and stories from the previous night had been removed from its Instagram account.

Officers entered The Third Day about 12.30pm on Saturday.

Police are yet to apprehend the gunman.

Police are continuing to appeal for witnesses to come forward as they piece together how the shooting unfolded.

“It’s a horrific incident, it’s something that none of us want to experience, police or the local community,” Crime Command Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble said.

Police block off the street on Saturday morning. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

Forensic police at the scene the morning after the shooting. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

“Our real goal here today is to … ensure that the family of the victim are supported at this horrible time, ensure the offenders are brought to account and give the local community assurance that Victoria Police take this seriously and we are here to support them.

“We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know that there were a lot of people in the area at the time (and) we urge those witnesses to reach out and contact police.”

Inspector Rumble said there was nothing to suggest a lingering threat to the community.

He said “emotions were high” among bystanders when police arrived at the scene of the shooting.

The street is mainly home to businesses and empty warehouses. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Investigators in Langford St on Saturday morning. Picture: NewsWire/ David Crosling

The street where the deadly attack occurred is mainly home to businesses and empty warehouses.

“As you can imagine, it would be a horrible incident to come across,” Mr Rumble said.

“There were a number of people in the area and emotions were high.”

Police cordoned off a large area around Langford St on Saturday morning, which sits in the shadow of CityLink about 2km north of the Bolte Bridge.

Officers were forced to turn away a constant stream of cars full of racing enthusiasts trying to make their way to Derby Day.

The closure of Macaulay Rd, a major route to Flemington Racecourse, meant even more people were forced to travel via Racecourse Rd.