Victim in Melbourne fatal shooting 'shot in the back' while running away

Police believe a fatal shooting on an inner-Melbourne street on Tuesday afternoon was a targeted attack.

Emergency services were called to Napier Street in Fitzroy at 4.15pm following reports a man had been found by passers-by with life-threatening injuries.

The 55-year-old Fitzroy man died from his injuries.

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Detectives on Wednesday emerged from the apartment towers near the crime scene with evidence bags, as witnesses recounted the victim's dying moments.

"It was pretty horrible, you know, they were trying to revive him for a long time," one witness said.

Detective Superintendent Paul O'Halloran told 3AW radio the victim had earlier approached a dark-coloured Audi SUV with two people he knew inside.

He said the victim was sitting in the vehicle before he got out and attempted to run away before a person got out of the vehicle and allegedly shot him.

"The man was shot in the back and in the upper body," O'Halloran said.

"It was targeted and we believe he was known to (the gunman)."

O'Halloran said it was not known how many gunshots were fired but said a post-mortem was being conducted.

He said the incident was not related to recent gang-related shootings.

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He said the deceased man did not appear to have links to any outlaw motorcycle gangs or Middle Eastern organised crime groups.

Police are appealing for anyone with information or CCTV or dash cam footage to come forward.