Man checked into hotel just before targeted shooting in Melbourne

The partner of a man shot dead outside a strip of shops in Melbourne raced to the scene after it's believed she saw the news on social media.

Homicide detectives are investigating what they believe was a targeted shooting in Melbourne's north this morning.

The man was found injured near his red Hyundai i30 on Justin Avenue in Glenroy just after 4.30am.

READ MORE: Deadly crashes mark tragic start on roads ahead of Easter long weekend

He died shortly after emergency services arrived on scene.

His partner said they had checked into a hotel in Tullamarine shortly before he was killed.

Police spent some time combing the area for evidence and CCTV.

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said police believed the man was known to police.

He said the attack was not believed to be linked to the recent spate of tobacco store firebombings.

"It appears at this stage to be a targeted attack," Thomas said.

"The deceased is known to police and does have a criminal history.

"We will work through that and work out what's occurred here this morning."

One resident heard the gunshots while he was jogging nearby.

"It was a massive bang. At first, I thought it was fireworks," he said.

"Sadly there was a guy on the ground who passed away.

"It's not something you would normally see and it was a traumatising moment."

Thomas said police were calling on anyone who was in the area, or if anyone witnessed suspicious activity at the time, to contact authorities.

Any witnesses, anyone with CCTV/dashcam footage or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au