Desmond 'Tuppence' Moran, member of a notorious Melbourne underworld family, has been shot dead - the fourth member of the clan to suffer a violent death.



Mr Moran, 60, the brother of slain gangland figure Lewis Moran and uncle of Jason and Mark, was shot at the Ascot Pasta & Deli Cafe on the busy Union Road shopping strip in Ascot Vale about midday.

He suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the head, an ambulance spokesman said.

Homicide Detective Inspector Steve Clark said Mr Moran had been confronted by two men wearing dark clothing and balaclavas. Both are believed to have shot at the 60-year-old, who was inside the cafe at the time.

"Two men fled the scene on foot, they were seen getting in a dark blue or green vehicle,'' Detective Inspector Clark said.