A man has been shot dead and his killer is on the run after a late-night attack in Melbourne’s west. 

Emergency services were called to reports of shots being fired in Caroline Springs about 10.30pm on Thursday.

A man, who is yet to be formally identified, was found with a gunshot wound a short time later.

He was taken to hospital and later died.

The area has been cordoned off by police and a crime scene has been set up.