A MAN is dead after three were shot in Melbourne's central business district and police in bullet-proof vests are scouring the area for a man believed to be armed with a handgun.
Police have told News.com.au one person is dead at the scene and a man and a woman have been taken to hospital. Police have said the two men apparently came to the aid of the woman who was being dragged by her hair by another man, who then opened fire on all three.
The intersection of Flinders Lane and William St is closed, after the incident triggered peak-hour chaos. Emergency services have set up a field hospital in the middle of the intersection.
Witnesses have reported hearing six or seven shots in the area before police and emergency services arrived shortly after 8.15am.
A spokesman for the Ambulance service said paramedics worked for an hour to revive one victim, before declaring him dead at the scene. It is believed all the victims were shot in the upper body.
Witnesses have reported a man getting out of a taxi with a women, allegedly dragging her by her hair, before opening fire on two passersby who came to her aid.
The gunman is described as being about 183cm tall, wearing black jeans, a denim jacket, and with short brown hair.
A witness, Peter, said he rang emergency services after coming across the scene, but he initially thought it was a car crash with three people in the gutter and on the street.
"The people who were standing around didn't seem to be perturbed by anyone with a gun, it was almost as if there had been a car accident," Peter said.
Another witness rang her mother and said: "Mum, I've just witnessed this horrible shooting, I have to go." She reported seeing bodies in the street.
People working in the Rialto building have reportedly been told not to leave their offices. Customers and staff at a nearby cafe have also been told to remain inside.
Police have asked motorists and pedestrians to give the area a wide berth and be patient with traffic detours.
More information on the aftermath in Melbourne can be found at the Herald Sun website.