I'm Phoebe Worthley for 7NEWS Australia. A young man has died after being shot and left for dead in the heart of Melbourne early this morning. Police believe the attack was targeted and the suspected shooter remains on the run.
Table of Contents
- The incident — what happened
- Victim and timeline
- Police response and investigation
- Community reaction and concern
- How you can help
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
The incident — what happened
Shortly before 3:40 a.m., an unknown person fired from a parked car at a 26-year-old man on Elizabeth Street, outside 450 Elizabeth Street — near a four‑star hotel in Melbourne’s CBD. Two shots struck the victim. He was left bleeding in the street.
"A man has died after he was shot and left for dead in the city this morning."
Victim and timeline
The victim, a 26‑year‑old man known to police, was later driven to the Royal Melbourne Hospital. The man, described by police as a Seaford resident, was dropped off at the hospital doors but died moments later.
"The Seaford man was dropped off here at the doors of the Royal Melbourne Hospital but died moments later."
Police response and investigation
Detectives have treated the shooting as a targeted attack. Officers believe the parties are likely known to one another and have identified several lines of inquiry. Two blocks of Elizabeth Street were sealed off as a crime scene while forensic teams combed the area for evidence.
Forensics focused on items and vehicles at the scene, including an office chair and a Toyota sedan. Police are urgently seeking information from three associates of the victim and from any person who may have been driving in the vicinity of both locations around the time of the shooting.
"Police particularly want to hear from any person who may have been driving in the vicinity of both locations at that time."
Community reaction and concern
Residents and business operators in the CBD were shocked that such a violent, targeted attack occurred in the city centre in the early hours of the morning. Authorities reiterated that violence in the heart of the city is unacceptable and vowed to pursue those responsible.
"It occurred in the heart of the city, even in early hours of the morning, is just not acceptable."
How you can help
- If you were driving or present near Elizabeth Street around 3:30–4:00 a.m., police ask you to contact them — any dashcam or CCTV footage could assist.
- Anyone with information about the victim’s associates or the vehicle(s) involved should come forward.
- To protect the integrity of the investigation, avoid sharing unverified images or speculation on social media.
Conclusion
This tragic, targeted shooting has left a young man dead and a community shaken. Police continue to hunt for the offender(s) and have appealed for witnesses to step forward. As the investigation unfolds, further details will be released by Victoria Police.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened?
A 26‑year‑old man was shot twice outside 450 Elizabeth Street, Melbourne, at about 3.40 a.m. He was driven to the Royal Melbourne Hospital and died shortly after arrival.
Was this a random attack?
No. Police believe the shooting was targeted and that the parties involved are likely to have known each other.
Who are police looking to speak to?
Officers want to speak with the victim’s three associates and anyone who was driving in the area at the time. They also want any witnesses with dashcam or CCTV footage to come forward.
What evidence are investigators examining?
Forensic teams examined the street scene, including an office chair and a Toyota sedan. Two city blocks were treated as a crime scene while detectives gathered evidence.
How can the public assist?
Contact Victoria Police with any information, footage, or observations from the area around Elizabeth Street between 3:30 and 4:00 a.m. Stay clear of circulating unverified content that could hinder the investigation.
Where can I find official updates?
Follow Victoria Police and 7NEWS Australia for verified updates as the investigation progresses.
