There are fears the fatal shooting of a crime figure on a suburban Melbourne street may lead to a gangland war with tit-for-tat attacks.
Hawre Sherwani was shot dead on Heysen Park Way in Caroline Springs, about 10.30pm on Thursday, police say.
The 33-year-old was taken to hospital and later died. Police say Mr Sherwani was known to them and the shooting was a targeted attack.
They believe other people involved in the shooting may also have gunshot injuries, with the crime scene riddled with bullet casings across a wide area.
Detective Superintendent Janet Stevenson said there were fears the killing may trigger further gangland retaliation.
“We’re concerned because this has been going on for a bit, so we’ve got many concerns about that,” she said.
“It’s brazen, it’s irresponsible and yet very targeted, but very concerning (for) people of this neighbourhood.”
Det Supt Stevenson said a torched Tiguan Volkswagen was found at Fraser Rise which is believed to be connected to the shooting.
Police believe potentially several offenders were injured in the shooting spree.
“We do urge them to get medical assistance, and it’s very important that they do that, because it could be quite serious injuries,” Det Supt Stevenson.
Several residents, who did not want to be named, said the street was usually quiet and had not previously been the site of criminal activity.
One man said the victim had door-knocked several houses in a bid to get help from neighbours who attempted to administer first aid.
The area has been cordoned off by police and a crime scene set up.
Strewn bullet casings and a firearm were scattered across the residential street on Friday morning as police worked to investigate what took place.
A white Volkswagen riddled with bullet holes through its driver’s door was examined by detectives while still parked across a nature strip.
