Sam ‘The Punisher’ Abdulrahim shot dead in Melbourne street

• Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was shot and killed in an alleged ambush in Melbourne.
• Police believe a white Porsche SUV, later found burnt, was involved in the incident.
• Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said detectives believe the victim to be Abdulrahim.

A prominent former gangland figure was walking to his car with his girlfriend when he was shot and killed in Australia.

Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was shot multiple times, including in the head in an alleged ambush in the carpark of Quest Hotel on High St in Preston, a suburb in Melbourne, about 10am on Tuesday.

Officers believe a white Porsche SUV, which was seen leaving the carpark immediately after the shooting may be involved.

Sam “The Punisher” Abdulrahim was reportedly gunned down in a car park on High St in Preston on Tuesday morning. Photo / Supplied

The vehicle was dumped and set alight on the intersection of Northernhay and Alexandra St in Reservoir.

Many gathered as news of the incident spread.

Friends and family were seen breaking down near the area where police had sealed off.

Two distraught women were seen holding each other as they sat on the side of the road.

While yet to officially confirm the man’s identity, Detective Inspector Dean Thomas said detectives did believe the victim to be Abdulrahim.

He said Abdulrahim was with a woman believed to be his girlfriend when he was shot outside an apartment block he was staying in.