A MEMBER of a notorious northern suburbs family was one of the victims of last night’s triple shooting at Westmeadows.

Mahmoud Kheir, who was also wounded in a shootout in the north-western suburbs seven years ago, was one of three men injured when a gunman fired from over a fence.

Detectives from the armed crime squad are hunting the gunman, who peeped over a fence and opened fire late last night.

Mr Kheir is a well-connected figure in Melbourne’s middle-eastern gangland circles.

In 2009, he was among three men shot when a “posse” of men turned up at a house in Coolaroo to rescue a kidnapping victim.

Mr Kheir, his brother Nasser and now-jailed crime figure Mohammed Oueida were all wounded in the gun battle.

Two men remain on the run after last night’s shooting.

media_camera Detectives gather evidence at the scene. Picture Nicole Garmston

media_camera Police investigate a shooting in Westmeadows. Picture: Nicole Garmston

media_camera Police at the scene. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Police were called to a house in Erinbank Crescent at 11.40pm after reports three people had been shot.

The men were taken to hospital with non-life threatening gunshot wounds.

A neighbour told the Herald Sun he was watching television when he heard gunshots.

“At first I thought it was fireworks or something, then I went outside - I saw them pull the trigger,” the man said.

He said he heard about 10 shots in total.

Another neighbour said he saw the shooter flee in a black “fancy” car driven by another person.

“Then the mum from that house got in her BMW and sped off after him,” he said.

It is believed a woman lives in the property with two adult children and they often have extended family stay.

media_camera Police inspect the scene of a shooting in 2009 in which Mahmoud Kheir was also wounded.

The neighbour said he saw multiple cars and a motorbike pursue the shooter’s car.

The neighbour said police were often called to the area, and a lot of people were seen coming and going from the property at night.

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A 26-year-old, a 28-year-old and a 37-year-old, were taken to the Royal Melbourne hospital, two with lower leg gunshot wounds and one with upper body injuries.

The men fled the scene in a dark sedan.

The area has been cordoned off and is being investigated by the Armed Crime Squad.

No arrests have been made.

Anyone with information about the shooting incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au