Shot Vic man may have known gunman: police

A man has been shot and wounded in a quiet Melbourne street in what police believe was a targeted attack.

At least one gunman remains at large after a 37-year-old man was shot several times in the suspected drive-by shooting in Northcote about 11am on Monday.

A Victoria Police spokeswoman would not confirm media reports that it was the second time in two years the man had been shot.

Armed Crime Taskforce Detective Sergeant James Sullivan told reporters police believe the victim is known to his attackers.

"The evidence would lend itself to an association or a meeting, as opposed to a random event," Det Sgt Sullivan said.

He said the wounded man is known to police and does not live in the street where he was shot.

Witness Patrick Wong told reporters: "I heard a few gunshots, maybe six or seven."

The victim is in a stable condition in hospital.

A parked car thought to have been driven by the victim had a shattered rear window and a bullet hole in the driver's door.

It is believed the gunman left the scene in a dark-coloured hatchback.

It is not clear if the gunman was alone or had accomplices.

Detectives have interviewed witnesses and are reviewing CCTV footage.