A young man has died following a suspected targeted drive-by shooting in Melbourne’s inner north in the early hours of Saturday, sparking a major police investigation and community shock. The fatal attack occurred just metres from the Fitzroy police station, a quiet intersection that has been thrust into the spotlight as detectives work to piece together the circumstances of the killing. Yahoo Новости
Shooting Outside Fitzroy Police Station
Shortly after midnight on Saturday, emergency services were called to the intersection of Brunswick Street and King William Street in Fitzroy, following reports of gunfire in the street. An officer working inside the nearby police station heard two shots and rushed outside, where he found a young man with serious gunshot injuries on the footpath.
Paramedics attempted to revive the victim at the scene, but he died of his injuries before he could be transported to hospital. Formal identification has not yet been confirmed, and police have not released his age or background.
Evidence and Early Investigative Findings
Victoria Police’s homicide squad has taken over the investigation, with detectives describing the shooting as “targeted” rather than random. CCTV footage from the area shows the deceased walking with another male person moments before the gunfire erupted, according to police statements.
Authorities believe the shots were fired from a moving vehicle, reportedly a silver SUV, which fled the scene immediately after the attack. No arrests have been made at this stage, and investigators are appealing to the public for any dashcam, CCTV footage or witness accounts that could assist with identifying suspects.
Police have also urged the unidentified second person captured on surveillance to come forward to assist with the inquiry.
Police Station Location Raises Questions
The proximity of the shooting to the Fitzroy police station — where the victim and his companion passed by moments earlier — has fueled discussion about public safety and station operations. At the time, the station was not open to the public, though officers were present inside when the shooting occurred.
Detective Acting Inspector Brett Meadows has stressed that the presence of police at the facility would not necessarily have prevented the attack, given the rapid nature of drive-by shootings and the difficulty of anticipating such violence.
Residents and local commentators have voiced concerns about escalating street violence, particularly in traditionally quieter inner-city neighbourhoods. Some have linked the incident to broader trends in youth crime and disputes, though authorities have not confirmed any specific motive.
Broader Crime Context in Inner Melbourne
The Fitzroy shooting adds to a series of recent violent incidents in Melbourne’s inner suburbs that have drawn law enforcement attention. In late December, the same neighbourhood was the scene of a fatal stabbing, which led to a murder charge and highlighted concerns about overlapping violent crime in the area.
Police and community groups have expressed that while random violence is rare, clashes and targeted attacks have manifested in various forms, from street stabbings to incidents involving firearms. Detectives are continuing to investigate whether there are links between recent cases or whether the crimes stem from separate disputes.
Police Appeal for Public Assistance
Victoria Police have established a crime scene cordon around the intersection where the shooting occurred and continue forensic and witness inquiries. Members of the public are being asked to check any surveillance systems — including CCTV and dashcams — for footage from around midnight Saturday that could capture relevant details.
Crime Stoppers contact channels have been promoted for anonymous tips, as authorities attempt to track down the vehicle and individuals involved. In violent crimes involving firearms, even small clues can prove vital in moving an investigation forward.
Community Reaction and Safety Concerns
Local residents described the scene as distressing and jarring, noting that Fitzroy rarely experiences such brazen violence, especially so close to a police facility. Some expressed concern about police resourcing and local crime prevention efforts, calling for renewed focus on violence deterrence in central suburbs.
Support services and chaplains have been deployed in the area to offer assistance to community members affected by the incident, reflecting efforts to address both the immediate trauma and broader social impacts of the shooting.
Next Steps in the Investigation
As the homicide squad continues its work, detectives are expected to canvass local businesses, residences, and pedestrians for further leads. Ballistics and forensic evidence from the scene will be analysed, while police attempt to trace the silver SUV believed to have been involved.
Any fresh information from potential witnesses, or surveillance data from the wider inner-north precinct, could be crucial in identifying suspects and securing charges as part of the ongoing investigation.
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