Police were called to the intersection of Elizabeth and Latrobe streets about 3am where they found the 26-year-old with a gunshot wound to the upper body.

Investigators were told the man was in a group involved in an altercation with a motorist.

It’s believed one of the men bumped into a passing vehicle. The driver then confronted the men, producing a firearm and shooting before driving away.

The victim, from NSW, is in the Royal Melbourne Hospital with serious but non life-threatening injuries.

Police are searching for the driver of a silver or dark grey car with a smashed front passenger-side window.

Anyone with any information about the incident or the driver’s identity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au