A man has tragically lost his life following a shooting inside his apartment in Sydney’s western suburbs earlier today.

Authorities were alerted around 6:40 am to a residential building on Newman Street in Merrylands, where a 44-year-old man was discovered by a female resident suffering from a gunshot wound to his chest.

According to police statements, the man was believed to be residing in the apartment where he was found.

Sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Local residents reportedly heard a disturbance around 4 am, preceding the arrival of police at the location.

Superintendent Tim Calman has confirmed that there is no evidence suggesting the shooting is linked to gang activities.

“The man was known to police but only for a minor matter,” he said.

”No obvious links to organised crime or drug related matters.”

However Calman said it did not appear to be a “random attack”.

At this stage police are searching one person who may be linked to the incident.