Police close in on Vic killer

As the search for his killer tightens, friends and family of a man fatally stabbed in South Melbourne say they are shocked by his death.

Eric Trinh, known as Ricky, was found lying on a Clarendon Street footpath with critical injuries to his neck just after 11pm on Friday.

He was rushed to hospital but died on arrival.

It's believed he was stabbed in the neck from behind while walking with a female friend near the intersection of Bank Street.

Police believe it was a targeted attack, but wouldn't comment on whether it was drug related.

Friends took to social media to pay tribute to the 40-year-old father.

"You had your life selfishly taken as you walked along Clarendon Street," one friend posted.

"No words can describe the pain and sadness I feel."

After reviewing CCTV footage from a nearby bank on Saturday, detectives said they were confident they would identify the attacker.

On Tuesday, a police spokeswoman said the investigation was ongoing.