Police detectives at the scene of the shooting in Epping. Source: HeraldSun
AN outlaw bikie is in a serious condition in hospital after being shot multiple times in the lower back in Melbourne's north as tensions escalated into open suburban warfare.
Police confirmed the victim was a Red Devil bikie - a group affiliated with the Hells Angels. Police said the man, in his 20s, was shot last night in the driveway of his parents' home in McCarty Ave, Epping, in what may have been a revenge attack.
Inspector Mark Zervaas confirmed it was a targeted shooting and that the victim knew his attacker.
"The male's in his 20s and he's believed to be a member of the Red Devils OMCG (outlaw motorcycle gang)," Insp Zervaas said.
"It's apparent that there's been three shots fired and our victim's got multiple gunshot wounds in the lower back."
Insp Zervaas said the victim was undergoing surgery at the Royal Melbourne Hospital.
"At this stage we've got investigators at the hospital speaking with the victim and we're endeavouring to take statements from a number of witnesses," he said.
Police investigate the shooting in Epping of an outlaw bikie.
Police said it was too early to speculate how the incident unfolded but were doorknocking shocked neighbours and conducting ballistics tests at the scene.
They said that the public was not in danger as it was a targeted shooting.
One witness, who declined to be named, said he heard loud gunshot sounds and came out to investigate.
"I heard gunshot sounds and came out from my house to see what was going on. I came around straight away," the man said.
A member of an outlaw bikie club, Ben Pegoraro of the Red Devils, lives in the street.
His older brother, Daniel, a father of four and a Hells Angels nominee, also lists his address in Epping.
Brothers Ben and Daniel Pegoraro.
Daniel, 27, was suspected in bikie circles of the shooting of Bandido Toby Mitchell in Melton on March 1.
The Herald Sun has not learned either man is a victim of last night's shooting.
Daniel was named by Victoria Police as a person of interest in the Mitchell shooting.
Police also have intelligence a gunman stalked one of the brothers at their Epping address.
Ammunition, a bulletproof vest and an explosive device were found at Ben's Epping address in early March.
Also in March, up to six shots were fired at the Pegoraro house in McCarty Ave in a suspected revenge drive-by attack. No one was injured.
Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 9pm.
Police swooped on the area and the suburban street was cordoned off - blocking entry to vehicles.
Tensions have been running high in Melbourne between the Hells Angels, their affiliated clubs and the Bandidos.
Last night's incident is likely to be probed for any links to the non-fatal shooting of Bandidos enforcer Toby Mitchell.
Mitchell was wounded in an ambush by Hells Angels in Melton on March 1, and shot in the arm when his group came under automatic weapon fire.
Detectives, including Armed Crime officers, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Anyone with information is being urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
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