Police are investigating the second suspected “targeted” shooting in Sydney in less than 24 hours.

A man was shot dead about 2am Thursday in Canterbury, in Sydney’s south-west, with a gunman still on the loose.

It was less than 24 hours after high-profile criminal lawyer Mahmoud Abbas survived a “brazen” shooting outside his home in Greenacre on Wednesday morning. That shooter was also on the run.

And early last Sunday, three people in parked cars – also in Greenacre in the city’s western suburbs – were shot, and survived.

In the latest in an apparently escalating situation in Sydney, emergency services were called to Broughton Street, Canterbury, early on Thursday after reports of shots fired.

“Upon arrival, officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command located a man with gunshot wounds,” said a police statement.

“He was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics. However, despite their efforts the man died at the scene.”

The man, who is yet to be formally identified, was believed to be aged in his 20s.

The police investigation is in its early stages but it is believed to be a targeted attack.

Detectives are appealing for anyone who was in the area about 2am and has information or dashcam vision to contact Burwood Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Lawyer shot

Just 16 hours earlier on Wednesday, Sydney lawyer Mahmoud Abbas was shot outside his home and rushed to hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Police arrived at the property on Narelle Crescent, Greenacre, at 10.25am to find him suffering gunshot wounds.

The 31-year-old was outside when he was approached by an unknown person and shot, police said.

He reportedly managed to make it inside the house to call for help.

Paramedics treated Mr Abbas at the scene before he was taken to hospital in a serious but stable condition.

Mr Abbas has represented several high-profile clients, including members of an alleged ISIS-inspired terror cell charged with plotting to destroy Sydney landmarks, and controversial former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer.

He has also represented Sydney underworld figures, including handyman Ahmed Jaghbir in his trial over the assassination of Kemel Barakat.

-with AAP