(Translation of this article appears in Arabic section)
The crime scene is cordoned off. Pictures: Sarah MatraySource: News Corp Australia
HOMICIDE detectives are investigating after a father of six was shot dead in his mother’s driveway in Melbourne’s west overnight.
The man was shot after getting out of a car at 1.50am outside a home in Lewin Court, Altona Meadows.
Homicide detectives have been at the scene, along with specialist ballistics officers.
Police confirmed the man was shot a number of times and died shortly after paramedics arrived.
Police at the scene of the shooting in Altona Meadows.
Victoria Police spokeswoman Clair White said witnesses at the scene tried to save the man.
Paramedics also raced to the scene but the man was pronounced dead soon after they arrived.
Det-Sgt Sol Solomon said the attack appeared to be targeted.
“He received emergency treatment but unfortunately died at the scene,” Sgt Solomon said.
“He was visiting his mother at the time this happened.”
Neighbours said they still felt safe despite what had occurred.
“It’s a bit of a thoroughfare. People use this Court to get through to the other Courts but it’s not a rowdy neighbourhood by any means,” a father said.
“It’s a normal suburban street normally.
“I don’t know how to take it. It’s a little bit daunting, especially when you’ve got young children. I don’t think we’re in any harm. It’s a vendetta I believe.”
A police forensics team investigate the car the man was shot in. Picture: Sarah MatraySource: News Corp Australia
Between eight and 12 cars were parked out the front of the residence on Sunday afternoon but family did not appear to be home. A few men standing out the front of the red-brick house briefly spoke to people through car windows as they arrived and left.
It is believed the property is home to a large Lebanese family.
“They seem civil enough,” a neighbour said.
“They have their parties and late night gatherings but never any trouble. They seem friendly enough.
“They have family gatherings and a lot of them rock up in their fancy cars - Porsches and their Mercs,” the neighbour continued. “Bit of late night traffic going here and there, you hear them coming and going at midnight.
“(There are) cars parked out the front, normally five or six, all the time.”
One neighbour that spoke said he went back to sleep after hearing shots, another wasn’t home but sought recollections from others later.
“I heard off the neighbours they thought it was fireworks, because kids around here they set off fireworks a fair bit,” he said.
“After the first, second or third go they thought, ‘that’s not fireworks,’ and heard a car take off.”
No one has been arrested over the shooting.
Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.