Manhunt underway in Sydney after man shot dead in Surry Hills, Porsche found alight in Kensington

Police are hunting a gunman after a man was shot dead in inner Sydney on Friday, triggering a major emergency response.

Emergency services were called to Baptist Street near Cleveland Street in Surry Hills after frantic triple-zero calls about 7.45pm.

On arrival, officers found a man, believed to be aged in his 30s, with a gunshot wound.

He was treated by paramedics, however, died at the scene.

Police have cordoned off the crime scene and launched an investigation, with the assistance from State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad.

One witness who was having dinner nearby told 7NEWS they heard four ‘pops’ before “all of a sudden everyone started running up Crown Street and that was the moment it felt quite real”.

“We thought someone might have been running up the street shooting.. but by that stage I think the shooter was long gone,” he said.

Another witness said they heard three to four shots fired before turning to see “a person on the ground, and a car just drove off”.

A third woman said she heard “what sounded like fireworks, and then people were screaming and yelling.”

“It was quite shocking ... we were then just waiting for police to come.”

A short time later, emergency services were called to Kensington Road, Kensington, where they located a Porsche well alight.

“Initial inquires alleged the two incidents are linked,” police said.

Cleveland St was closed in both directions between South Dowling St and Elizabeth St with police directing traffic and motorists asked to find alternative routes. Authorities are expected to be at the scene well into the night.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.

Anyone with information this incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.