'Lovely bloke with a heap of talent': tributes flow for NSW drive-by victim
Laurie Starling was killed in a drive by shooting at his West Gosford business. (Supplied) Supplied
A well-known car enthusiast has been gunned down outside his business on the NSW Central Coast.
Laurie Starling was found slumped in his white 4WD ute outside his car restoration business, The Chop Shop, in West Gosford on Thursday night.
Mr Starling was a popular figure in the motor industry and involved with the annual Canberra-based motor festival Summernats.
"The Street Machine community is morning (sic) the passing of Laurie Starling," Summernats posted on Twitter on Friday.
"Our thoughts go to his family and friends."
Magazine Street Machine said Mr Starling was "a lovely bloke with a heap of talent".
"Our thoughts this morning are with the family and mates of Laurie Starling," it said on Facebook.
A tribute for the 29-year-old was also posted on a forum for Commodore fans.
"Last night, one of Australia's finest fabricators/car builders was murdered outside of his shop in West Gosford NSW," the post read.
"Laurie owned The Chop Shop, he was a top bloke, and will be sorely missed by myself and the car scene in general."
Comserv Close where the shooting happened just before 8pm is still taped off and detectives are door knocking neighbouring businesses in the industrial area.
Police are reportedly investigating whether there were any bikie links to the shooting.
Detective Inspector Glenn Trayhurn said witnesses say they heard what they believed to be multiple gun shots.
"All avenues of inquiries are being explored but we have no solid leads at this point," he told reporters.
Police are due to hold a press conference at midday.
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