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Dramatic shooting footage at tattoo parlour linked to bikie war

A dramatic daylight shooting at a Melbourne tattoo parlour is probably linked to infighting within the feared Comancheros bikie gang, police say.

A 36-year-old Malvern man, reported to be Comanchero member Robert Ale, suffered life-threatening injuries when he was shot up to nine times in the targeted attack at Nitro Ink.

Footage released by the anti-bikie squad on Monday shows two armed and hooded men emerge from a stolen silver Audi before storming the shop in Hampton Park about 1.15pm on February 22.

Two men exit a silver Audi outside a Melbourne tattoo parlour. Source: Victoria Police
Two men exit a silver Audi outside a Melbourne tattoo parlour. Source: Victoria Police

Some of the nine shots fired penetrated neighbouring businesses, with one bullet piercing a wall mere centimetres from an office worker.

The men then fled in the car, driven by a third man, and it was later found burnt out on Robjant Street, Hampton Park. Police believe the trio then got into a black Jeep Wrangler.

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Two people flee as the men exit. Source: Victoria Police
Two people flee as the men exit. Source: Victoria Police

"Detectives believe the shooting is likely to be linked to internal conflicts within the Comancheros outlaw motorcycle gang," Victoria Police spokeswoman Natalie Webster said in a statement.

Investigators are considering whether other shootings in Melbourne are also linked to the infighting, including one in Reservoir in August.

Anyone who has information is urged to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 use the Crime Stoppers online reporting page.

Police said this black Jeep Wrangler was used as a getaway car after the men ditched the Audi. Source: Victoria Police
Police said this black Jeep Wrangler was used as a getaway car after the men ditched the Audi. Source: Victoria Police