An aspiring rapper was shot dead in the street after a Halloween rave, sparking a violent brawl in the middle of the night.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was found by members of the public with at least one gunshot wound on the footpath of Langford Street, in North Melbourne, at around 3.15am on Saturday.
It is understood a major fight broke out among partygoers after Mr Bidong, believed to be in his early 20s, was fatally shot while a 7News cameraman was also reportedly attacked.
Tributes to Mr Bidong began pouring in on social media on Saturday evening.
‘I found out late last night that he had lost his life. I can’t believe it,” one person said.
“I love you my brother… Unique,” wrote another.
‘Shocking. LLP (Long Live Peezy)’ one post read.
Investigators have set up a crime scene around the industrial area, which is close to a railway line, a main road and a creek.
Pal Bidong, who goes by the rap name ‘Peezy’, was shot dead in North Melbourne early Saturday morning
Tributes have been paid to the aspiring rapper
The man’s body was covered by a large tarpaulin on Saturday morning as forensic officers searched the area for evidence.
Devastated loved ones were seen hugging each other and talking on the phone.
Victoria Police said investigators were still working to determine the circumstances surrounding Mr Bidong’s death, with the gunman still on the run.
Mr Bidong was found with at least one gunshot wound
Detective Acting Inspector Alan Rumble of the Victoria Police Crime Command said it was a ‘horrific incident’.
“It’s something that none of us want to experience, neither the police nor the local community,” Mr Rumble said.
“Our real aim here today is to ensure the victim’s family is supported at this terrible time, ensure the perpetrators are held to account and give the local community reassurance that Victoria Police is taking this seriously and that we are here to support them.
“We are here to appeal for witnesses, we know there were many people in the area at the time (and) we are urging those witnesses to contact police.”
A violent brawl broke out after the deadly shooting in North Melbourne
Fighting reportedly broke out at the rave when the man was shot around 3am
Mr Rumble said there was no ongoing threat to the community.
Anyone with relevant images or information is asked to come forward.