By Ashleigh McMillan
Police are hunting for a shooter after a man died from gunshot wounds on a street in Melbourne’s inner north in the early hours on Saturday.
“It’s a horrific incident. It’s something that none of us wanted to experience – police or the local community,” Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble said at a press conference on Saturday morning.
Emergency services were called to Langford Street in North Melbourne at 3.15am following reports a man was seriously injured after being shot.
The man – who is yet to be identified – died at the scene.
Nine News vision from the scene shortly after the man was found shows dozens of young people, a public order response vehicle and paramedics at the corner of Macaulay Road and Langford Street.
The footage shows group of young men engaging in a physical confrontation while police stand nearby. At one point, multiple people were pushed to the ground during the brawl.
Police can also be seen arresting one person. Many bystanders were captured running, or otherwise moving through the scene.
There are several large warehouse-style event venues nearby. One venue had hosted a Halloween-themed rave. Rumble said patrons were on their way home at the time of the shooting.
At 3.15am, a CCTV camera inside a nearby building captured audio of loud screaming, after which police sirens could be heard in the distance.
Police have cordoned off Langford Street.Credit: Joe Armao
Police officers on Saturday cordoned off the area near Macaulay Station and established a crime scene. No one has been arrested or charged in connection with the death.
Distressed loved ones gathered at the scene on Saturday morning, comforting each other and making phone calls.
Rumble said the shooter had not yet been identified and that police were conducting additional patrols, but there was nothing to suggest an ongoing risk to the community.
Loved ones of the deceased man gathered at the scene in North Melbourne on Saturday morning.Credit: Joe Armao
He could not confirm how many shots were fired in the incident or what the man was doing before his death.
“A lot of specialist resources have been allocated, including local police,” Rumble said at a press conference.
“Our real goal here today is to follow down and identify all avenues of inquiry and ensure that the victim’s family are supported at this horrible time.”
Rumble said that “emotions were high” in the area after the man’s death, with vision showing fights breaking out in the streets near where the body was found.
Police at the scene.Credit: Joe Armao
“We want to take this opportunity to appeal for those witnesses to come forward and to speak to police … our priority here is to support the family … and bring those offenders to account.”
The man’s body was removed from the scene at 12.30pm. Investigators could be seen scouring the ground and taking photos along Langford Street during the afternoon.
Macaulay Road remained closed between Boundary Road in North Melbourne and Stubbs Street in Kensington in both directions at 1pm. Access was restricted to emergency vehicles only.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has dash cam/CCTV footage, or any information, is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit crimestoppers.com.au.
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