Dad shot after daughter allegedly followed

A father has been shot in the driveway of his home in an alleged “random” attack in southeast Melbourne, after confronting a driver who appeared to be following his daughter home.

The 58-year-old Cranbourne East man suffered a gunshot wound to his abdomen about 12.30am on Monday, sparking a major police probe.

He remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition.

Detective Acting Superintendent Mick Daly revealed the victim’s daughter had called him about 12.25am while she was driving home, telling him she believed an unknown man was following her in another vehicle.

Her father instructed her to return to their Benedetto Cres home while he waited out the front.

Superintendent Daly said a white station wagon pulled up in the street after she pulled into the driveway.

During the resulting confrontation the father was allegedly shot by the driver, who then fled in the same station wagon, Superintendent Daly said.

Police do not believe all three are known to each other and the incident is being treated as a “random attack”.

“We don’t know if there is any lead up or motive to this,” Superintendent Daly told reporters.

“At this stage, it’s very early in the investigation, but we are treating our lines of inquiry that the offender is unknown to victim.”

The man’s daughter immediately called triple-0 and neighbours came out to render medical assistance.

Detectives wish to speak to anyone who has information about the incident or who may have witnessed any suspicious activity in the area, particularly involving the white vehicle.

Superintendent Daly said police did not know why the woman was targeted or why the father was shot.

He confirmed this shooting was not related to another alleged carjacking and stabbing in Cranbourne overnight, and said there was a “visible” police presence in the area in response.

“It’s very concerning, firearms in the community is a concern,” Superintendent Daly said.

“When a man comes out to protect his daughter … (then) be shot in the street is particularly distressing.”

Anyone with any information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.