Melbourne 'Middle Eastern gang' soccer shooting linked to other crimes: cops
Frightening CCTV footage has been released of the moment a young man was gunned down in Melbourne’s north, by what police have described as a “Middle Eastern gang”.
Investigators are treating the May shooting as an attempted murder and believe it is linked to other shootings in the area.
Security vision shows the victim being shot several times as he left an indoor soccer game in Coolaroo, on May 22.
The victim is seen climbing over railing to get away. He collapses 100 metres down the road.
Moments later, the alleged shooter wearing a blue jacket can be seen running up the road, followed by a white Audi before he jumped into it.
Police believe the attack was targeted, and no one else was injured during the shooting.
Detective Acting Inspector Mark Burnett said the victim has been reluctant to co-operate with police.
“We believe there are Middle Eastern gang links in relation to this shooting and a number of other fatal and non-fatal shootings in the area,” Insp Burnett said.
The car, believed to be stolen, was doing laps in the area up to 40 minutes before the shooting, police said.
It was found burnt out at Reservoir about an hour later, and police are forensically examining items found inside it.
Detectives have spoken to multiple witnesses but some people have not yet come forward.
Police have released a photo fit of the suspected shooter.
They know there are a number of witnesses to the incident who are yet to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call Crime Stoppers 1800 333 000 or use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.
