The young man who was shot in a broad daylight assassination in a Melbourne laneway this morning has been identified.

Athan Boursinos, 21, was fatally shot just a short distance from his family home on Champions Parade in Wollert around 9am.

According to 9News, Boursinos was departing in his BMW when he was ambushed and struck with up to eight bullets by an unidentified male.

Emergency services attempted to revive Boursinos but he was pronounced dead at the location.

Police reported that the perpetrator fled the scene in a vehicle.

9News reports that Boursinos is suspected to have been involved in the murder of the underworld figure Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim in January.

“It appears very deliberate and targeted,” police said. 

Detectives found a burnt-out vehicle on Amery Street in Reservoir, which they believe was this morning’s killer’s getaway car.

A crime scene has been established in Wollert.

Members of the community are asked to avoid the area.

No arrests have been made at this stage.

Police assured residents that there is no threat to the community.