Man is shot dead on busy Sydney street as a massive police operation is launched

A man has been shot dead on a busy central Sydney street, sparking a major police operation.

The gunman remains on the run after police were called Baptist Street in Surry Hills after locals heard gunshots at 7.45pm on Friday.

Officers found a man in his 30s near the parking lot of a BP gas station on the corner of Crown Street and Cleveland Street, where the shooting is believed to have occurred.

Paramedics treated the man for a gunshot wound, but he died at the scene.

A blood-soaked white sheet was seen covering the man’s body as paramedics desperately tried to revive him.

A Porsche, believed to be the getaway car, was found on fire near Kensington about an hour later.

Swarms of emergency workers were seen guarding the intersection of Cleveland and Bourke Streets as the police operation got underway.

Dozens of police officers, at least five emergency vehicles and a Polair helicopter were called to the scene.

A local resident dining nearby told Daily Mail Australia she heard three gunshots go off in the direction of the BP.

Witnesses had reported seeing the gunman jump from a car before the shooting.

“He was seen jumping into another car after the shooting before fleeing the scene,” a police officer said told the Daily Telegraph.

Another witness said they saw a “bloodied” man after the shooting.

Others described the police operation as “chaos” as hundreds of onlookers gathered for food and drinks while emergency workers tried to divert traffic.

Businesses were forced to close up shop and customers were told to leave immediately as officers rushed to secure the area.

Cleveland Street is completely cordoned off by police and parts of Bourke Street and Crown Street are also closed.

Motorists have been asked to avoid the area.

An investigation has been launched and homicide detectives have been called.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.