Newcastle shooting: Police hunt for man and woman after fatal shooting at Darby Street, Cooks Hill unit

The victim, identified as a 40-year-old man, was shot in the chest about lunchtime.

He was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.

Detectives from Newcastle City Police District - with assistance from the State Crime Command's Homicide Squad - have established Strike Force Hibbard to investigate the circumstances surrounding the man's death.

Police have been told two people - a man and a woman - were seen running from the scene shortly after.

As police continue to conduct extensive inquiries, strike force detectives are urging anyone who may have dashcam footage from Darby Street, and nearby Parkway Avenue, Tooke and Brooks Streets to contact Newcastle Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

POLICE are seeking help to find two people after a man died from a gunshot wound on Darby Street on Thursday.

Newcastle City police district commander Detective Superintendent Wayne Humphrey said police were on scene "within seven or eight minutes" after they received the call to the popular Cooks Hill eat street about 12.45pm.

They found the man on the lounge room floor.

"I have no idea of identity at this stage" he said shortly before 2.30pm.

"It appears there were a number of people in the unit who have taken off and are slowly being brought back in and spoken to."

A NSW Ambulance spokesperson said three ambulance crews and a medical team had attended to treat the man.

While descriptions varied, Detective Superintendent Humphrey said police were eager to speak with a man and woman.

"It was suggested the male had blood on his face," Detective Superintendent Humphrey said.

Resident Karen Holt, who lives in the unit block, arrived home about 20 minutes after the matter occurred.

She said the incident had "shocked" her and had seen nothing this serious in the building in the two years she had lived there.

"It makes me worried to stay here tonight," she said.

Other people in nearby properties said they did not hear anything until there were police cars and ambulances in the street.

Police have blocked off Darby Street from Tooke Street to Parkway Avenue, which was the same intersection where the man was last seen.

"We're not sure which direction he's gone in yet," Detective Superintendent Humphrey said.

Forensic police arrived to the unit block a few hours after the incident and are expected to remain on scene for the afternoon.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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