A nightclub security guard is dead and another is fighting for life after a drive-by shooting outside a Melbourne club, with police determined to track down the offenders.
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Shots were fired from a passing SUV, hitting three security guards and a patron outside the popular Prahran nightclub Love Machine at 3.20am on Sunday.
Security guard Aaron Khalid Osmani, 37, was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after the shooting but he later died.
The Narre Warren South man was remembered as a kind man who lost his life trying to protect the patrons of the club.
"He was known as a kind, funny and easygoing guy and it's a great loss to anyone who has had a pleasure of knowing him," an online fundraising page read.
"The world has lost a beautiful and gentle soul, RIP Aaron Khalid Osmani," Peter Apostle posted on social media.
Detective Inspector Andrew Stamper, from the Homicide Squad, said no stone would be left unturned in the bid to find those responsible.
"Three of the people struck were employees, security guards, and one person was a patron innocently waiting to get in," Insp Stamper told media at the scene.
"Those gunshot wounds were from a fairly close proximity ... so, you know... horrific injuries."
Detectives and forensic police scoured the area for clues and are yet to rule out links to organised crime.
Their focus was on bloodstained clothing left lying in the middle of the road alongside bullet casings outside the entrance of the second storey nightclub.
They are investigating whether a black Porsche SUV seen leaving the area is related to the shooting. That car was later found burnt out in Wollert.
Four people were taken to hospital immediately after the shooting but police confirmed on Sunday evening others were also injured after the drive-by.
A 28-year-old man remains in a critical condition and a 50-year-old man and a 29-year-old man both have non-life threatening injuries.
A 20-year-old woman was also injured after the shooting, it is believed she fell at the scene and hit her head on the ground and was taken to hospital.
A 26-year-old man also took himself to hospital on Sunday afternoon with injuries stemming from the shooting but they were not life-threatening.
An increased police presence will remain in the area as investigators view CCTV and speak to business owners and residents.
Police are yet to make any arrests over the incident and are urging anyone with footage to contact them.
Australian Associated Press
