Police are examining links to organised crime as they investigate a fatal shooting in Keilor on Saturday.
A man in his 50s who was killed is yet to be officially identified but media reports have named him as gangland identity Gavin Preston.
Preston was released from Barwon Prison in February after serving 11 years for defensive homicide over the fatal 2012 shooting of 41 year-old Adam Khoury, a Melbourne ice dealer.
Emergency services were called to a cafe on the Old Calder Highway just before 10.30am on Saturday after a number of shots were fired, to find two men suffering multiple gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.
Paramedics worked to save the man in his 50s but he died at the scene.
Ambulance Victoria confirmed it transported a male in his 20s in a critical condition to hospital.
Acting Superintendent Mark Hatt told reporters on Saturday afternoon the younger man was undergoing emergency surgery for gunshot wounds to his stomach.
He said the pair had been dining at the Sweet Lulu’s cafe when two men clad in black approached and opened fire.
He said the two offenders then fled in a black SUV, which was found dumped in nearby Blair Court.
“Given the circumstances, we believe it is linked to organised crime,” he said.
We’re in the early stages of the investigation. A number of searches are underway, including at the scene.”
He said multiple shots were fired into the upper bodies of both men in front of shocked diners.
“The incident took place outside the cafe, there were a number of other people dining at the time. It’s unfortunate it has taken place in such a public manner,” he said.
Supt Hatt said no arrests have yet been made and police are continuing to interview witnesses.
A large crime scene remained cordoned off at the cafe on Saturday afternoon.
Anyone with information can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
