Police are hunting two men after a man was shot dead in Bacchus Marsh

TWO men are on the run after a man was found dead in a car after being shot in the head in Victoria this morning.

A MAN who was shot dead sitting in a van outside his house yesterday morning was heard arguing with his girlfriend ­inside about an hour earlier.

The Herald Sun can reveal that the victim, named locally as Paul Hogan, was in a relationship with a Hong Kong woman who worked at a farm also at Bacchus Marsh, 60km west of Melbourne.

The girlfriend phoned a farm colleague yesterday morning to report she was having problems with Mr Hogan.

During the call, Mr Hogan, 48, could be heard on the other end of the line, yelling.

The Herald Sun understands the girlfriend had told her work colleague that a friend from Thornbury was on his way to pick her up.

Police were called to the ­address in Labilliere St, Bacchus Marsh, just before 8.20am after Mr Hogan was shot in the head while sitting in the driver’s seat of a white Ford Transit van outside.

The man’s body is removed. Picture: Kylie Else

Forensic police examine the murder scene. Picture: Kylie Else

Police at the scene where a man was found shot dead. Picture: Kylie Else

Police continue to investigate fatal shooting in Bacchus Marsh @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/INRID8Oav8

— David Hurley (@davidhurleyHS) May 24, 2016

Forensic police investigate at the scene of the shooting. Picture: Kylie Else

A silver SUV was seen speeding off on McCrae St after the shooting.

The younger girlfriend is believed to have been in a relationship with Mr Hogan for about four months. They met online and she had moved in with him.

A source said: “He was a very jealous man, whenever she spoke to another guy he would get angry. He seemed very much in love with her.”

Mr Hogan worked odd jobs in the local area and had been employed as a chef, pizza delivery man and at a car service centre. It is understood he has five children with two different women.

Daniyelle Bartlett, who owns the property leased to Mr Hogan, said he used to enjoy online dating. “He was a bit of a loner and was really into his fitness,” she said.

Detective Senior Sergeant Stephen McIntyre of the homicide squad said an argument had been heard prior to shots being fired at the van.

“Witnesses have seen a silver SUV pull up near the intersection of Labilliere St and McCrae St at the driver’s side of that vehicle and shoot the man sitting in the driver’s seat,” he said.

The man's body is now being taken away @theheraldsun pic.twitter.com/UGAB77gVOF

— David Hurley (@davidhurleyHS) May 24, 2016

“We would make an appeal for the driver of that silver SUV to make himself known to the police.

“We have had reports of an argument occurring in the hour or so prior to the incident,” he said.

Police refused to say how many shots had been fired or what type of gun was used.

“It seems to be an isolated and confined incident,” Sen-Det McIntyre said.

“The relationship between who has shot the victim and the victim himself is yet to be established.

“This type of shooting in a residential setting will have a large local impact.”

Schools were locked down as a precaution soon after the SUV sped off. Bacchus Marsh Grammar, about 1km from the scene, sent a text message update to parents.

“Upon notification of an incident the school went into lockdown at 9.45am,” the message read. “After discussions with police the lockdown was lifted at 10am.”

Nearby primary schools were also briefly locked down.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have further information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report by going to crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Originally published as Police are hunting two men after a man was shot dead in Bacchus Marsh