Times of Australia
Victoria Police are investigating a fatal shooting in Melbourne’s inner north-west after a man in his 30s died following an incident in Ascot Vale early on Sunday morning.
Police said officers were called to North Street about 12:15am after reports of a seriously injured man. The man was found with suspected gunshot wounds and was taken to hospital in a critical condition, but later died. Homicide Squad detectives have taken carriage of the investigation and a crime scene was established in the street.
Crime scene established in Ascot Vale
The shooting prompted a significant police presence in the residential and retail area as investigators worked through the early hours to determine what happened. Officers were seen examining the street, nearby parked vehicles and local businesses as part of the initial evidence-gathering process.
At this stage, police have not announced any arrests. Detectives are continuing to piece together the man’s movements, the circumstances leading up to the shooting and whether anyone else was involved. The victim has been described by police only as a man in his 30s, and formal identification and family notifications are expected to guide what further details can be released publicly.
Fatal shootings in suburban streets typically trigger a broad forensic response. Investigators may seek CCTV from homes and shops, review traffic camera footage, speak with residents and search for physical evidence including cartridge cases, vehicles or discarded items. In the first 24 to 48 hours, police often place particular emphasis on identifying witnesses who were in the area before, during or immediately after the incident.
Detectives appeal for witnesses
Victoria Police have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. That appeal includes people who may have seen suspicious activity in North Street or nearby roads around midnight, as well as motorists with dashcam footage or residents with private security video. Even small details, such as an unfamiliar vehicle leaving the area or a person running from the scene, can become important when matched with other evidence.
The Homicide Squad’s involvement indicates police are treating the man’s death as suspicious and are investigating it as a serious targeted or violent incident unless evidence points otherwise. Police have not publicly said whether the victim was known to his attacker, whether the shooting was linked to organised crime, or whether there is any ongoing threat to the wider community.
Ascot Vale sits about six kilometres north-west of Melbourne’s CBD and includes a mix of homes, small businesses and major roads linking surrounding suburbs. A shooting in such an area is likely to draw attention from residents concerned about public safety, particularly when it occurs overnight and no immediate arrest is announced.
Community asked to help investigation
For now, the investigation remains in its early stages. Police will be working to confirm a timeline of events, identify anyone present near North Street around 12:15am and establish whether the shooting was preceded by an argument, an arranged meeting or another incident.
Authorities have asked the public not to speculate online and instead provide information directly to investigators. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online.
The case is the latest serious violent incident to prompt a homicide investigation in Victoria. Detectives are expected to release further information if they identify a suspect, locate a vehicle of interest or need public assistance with specific footage from the area.
