'Murder before corruption' in McGurk case

The seaside suburb of Cremorne Point, North Sydney. Google Maps

NSW Police Commissioner Andrew Scipione has refused to say whether a suspect has been identified in the murder of Sydney businessman Michael McGurk, saying the investigation should be left to run its course.

"What's really important here is this - understand we are investigating a homicide," Mr Scipione told reporters yesterday.

"We have got a cold-blooded murder happening in a street in Sydney, with a young boy who has witnessed the death of his father - that is horrific.

"Right now for the NSW police force, that is our priority.

Police provided unspecified evidence to the Independent Commission Against Corruption, prompting it to launch a preliminary investigation into claims McGurk had taped evidence of Labor MPs' involvement in bribery.

Scipione refused to comment on whether the tape was handed to ICAC or to provide specifics about the police investigation, including whether a suspect has been identified.

McGurk was shot dead in front of his son as they returned to their home in the harbourside Sydney suburb of Cremorne Point on Thursday evening.

Scipione said officers in Strike Force Narrunga, set up to investigate the murder, would continue to speak to many people.

He said there was no evidence to back up reports McGurk had gone into Surry Hills police station to make a complaint on the day of his death.

"I can only tell you what I've got. There's been no complaint, there's been no entry into a police station.

"And at this stage I can't give you any more information other than to say our records show that that just did not happen."

The Seven Network has reported that a police officer was being paid by a businessman to frame McGurk.

It said McGurk had gone to Surry Hills police station on Thursday to make a formal complaint about the officer, who had then heard of the complaint and had asked the businessman to "take care of matters".

Scipione told reporters a legal representative for McGurk had contacted police and raised some concerns earlier this year, but the matters had been withdrawn.

"From my understanding there's been no contact over recent days or weeks," he said.

- AAP