Homicide Squad detectives have arrested four men this afternoon following a fatal shooting in Melbourne's CBD earlier this month.
With assistance from the Special Operations Group, the four men - a 23-year-old from Doveton, a 22-year-old from Clyde North, a 23-year-old from Keysborough and a 22-year-old from Pakenham - were arrested in South Melbourne around 3.20pm.
They will now be interviewed by investigators.
Today's activity follows an incident where emergency services were called to the corner of Franklin and Elizabeth streets just before 4am on Sunday, 7 September following reports of a gunshot.
A 26-year-old Seabrook man was then dropped off at a Parkville hospital just before 3.50am with a gunshot wound to his upper body.
He died from his injuries shortly after.
Investigators believe the 26-year-old Seabrook man was standing with two associates on Elizabeth Street when the trio was approached by a black Mercedes-Benz G Wagon and a shot was fired about 3.40am.
The G Wagon then fled the scene and the Seabrook man's two associates dropped him off at the hospital.
At this stage, police believe the incident was targeted and that parties involved were known to each other.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Quotes attributable to Assistant Commissioner Martin O'Brien, Crime Command:
"Over the past two weeks in Victoria we have seen a number of incidents of significant public violence that have resulted in the loss of life, including this shooting in Melbourne's CBD.
"The impacts of these incidents are felt right through our communities - from the families who lose a loved one, through to the loss of safety that many people feel as a result, even when they don't know those involved.
"This incident has been subject to intense investigation by the Homicide Squad since it occurred on 7 September, resulting in four people being arrested today.
"These are often complex investigations, and I understand it is difficult for people when arrests may take some time. I want to be clear that these investigations into significant acts of public violence such as this shooting are always a priority for Victoria Police, and an immense amount of work goes on out of the public eye to put those responsible before the court. We have already arrested and a charged a number of people allegedly involved in a number of these fatalities, including those in Ivanhoe and Derrimut.
"These are also undoubtedly situations where we need the support of the community. We know there are still people out there who have information about this incident and other recent deaths, who are yet to speak to police or have been reluctant to provide information.
"Too many lives have already been lost and families ruined as a consequence of incidents such as this. If you know something, then we implore you to speak to police or information can always be provided anonymously via Crime Stoppers.
"Everyone in our community - regardless of your specific circumstances - deserves to feel safe and to be safe. I can assure the community that Victoria Police will continue to do everything we can to pursue those who are responsible for these incidents, so we can put them before the court and keep our community safe."
