A man has been fatally shot inside an apartment building in Melbourne’s inner east, prompting an early-morning evacuation of the high-rise.

Victoria Police confirmed the incident occurred at an address on Whitehorse Road shortly before 2am on Thursday, with emergency services responding to reports of an altercation. The victim, who has not yet been formally identified, died at the scene.

Police have not disclosed further details on the circumstances, describing the shooting as the result of an “altercation” and treating the incident as targeted. Homicide Squad detectives are leading the investigation.

Residents were evacuated when a fire alarm was triggered and gathered on the street outside the building. One resident told Sunrise that police informed them “the worst has happened, that it can’t get much worse.” Others reported hearing shouting and a single gunshot from the upper floors, with the shooting believed to have taken place on the 11th floor.

The crime scene remained active through the early hours before residents were allowed back inside. Investigations are ongoing, and authorities have urged anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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