Man shot dead in Western Sydney in suspected mistaken identity gangland shooting

Police say it is "tragically" possible a man who was shot dead on a Western Sydney street was another case of mistaken identity.

The man, in his 40s, died after being shot in Merrylands West on Wednesday afternoon in what is believed to be the latest escalation in gangland violence.

Emergency services were called to the home at about 3:15pm after reports a man had been shot in the doorway of the property.

He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics for gunshot wounds but died at the scene.

Speaking to reporters on Wednesday evening, Superintendent Simon Glasser said the victim had no connection to organised crime, nor was he adversely known to police.

Superintendent Glasser said the victim did not live at the address where the shooting occurred.

Those who live at the home, Superintendent Glasser said, were "very well known to police" for organised crime connections and the man killed was "quite likely" a business associate.

It is the second deadly suspected underworld shooting this week, coming a day after university student Marco Tapia was killed inside his Glen Alpine home.

The NSW police commissioner said Mr Tapia's death appeared to be an "innocent life" lost to organised crime.

Grey Audi sedan left the scene

Detectives reviewed CCTV and identified a grey Audi sedan that was seen leaving the scene shortly after the shooting, Superintendent Glasser said.

Anyone with dash-cam footage or information was asked to contact authorities.

Police were investigating whether the victim was ambushed after picking up two young children at a nearby school.

"The victim arrived at the property with a resident at the property and two young children … We believe the children were inside the premises, [when the shooting occurred]," he said.

When asked, Superintendent Glasser said "it's likely" the man was followed from the school to the suburban street where he was gunned down.

Local resident recounts hearing gunshots

One resident, who asked to remain anonymous, heard the gunshots.

"I was watching TV, and I heard shots … it was really close, then when I saw police coming, car after car, there was so many, I thought, 'oh my god'," she said.

Another resident, who also asked to be anonymised for privacy reasons, described the scene as a usually "safe street".

"It feels strange, because we're not used to this. It could have been worse if our kids were outside," he said.