UPDATE: A man has been shot dead outside a factory in Campbellfield, with a search now underway for the shooter.
The victim’s body was found on Merri Concourse about 6.20am on Thursday after police were alerted to reports of gunfire.
Early reports have indicated the man was shot in the face and died at the scene.
The owner of a nearby business, who requested anonymity, said a bikie gang had long been associated with one of the buildings in the industrial complex.
The victim has not yet been identified, Victoria Police spokeswoman Belinda Batty said.
A crime scene was set up around the factory, as forensics officers began examining the scene and a police helicopter joined the search for the shooter.
Witnesses have been interviewed by police along the street.
A young man wearing a light-coloured hooded jumper was seen speaking to police, before being taken away in an unmarked car shortly after 8.30am. He was not believed to be under arrest.
An emotional young woman arrived at the scene shortly after 9am, but left after speaking briefly to police.
Another man and a woman were taken from the scene by police about half an hour later, but also did not appear to be under arrest.
The industrial complex comprises about 10 small factories that were only recently opened, workers in the area said.
“It’s just a really quiet, industrial street,” said Renee, who works at a nearby candle supply business.
“It’s quiet during the day and then when you leave at 4.30pm all the cars are already gone from the street.”
Leo Denison was also shocked to learn of the man’s death when he arrived for work at a nearby factory.
“It’s pretty scary really, because you don’t expect these sorts of things to happen, but they do happen,” he told radio station 3AW.
The Hells Angels and Outcasts outlaw motorcycle clubs both have a presence in Campbellfield, but neither club has its headquarters near the scene of the shooting.
Senior members of the Hells Angels also have business interests in the suburb.
Police consider the Outcasts to be one of several smaller clubs affiliated with the Angels, whose East County chapter is in Dennis Street, Campbellfield.
Can you help?
Anyone with any information should call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com
This story first appeared in The Age
