The fatal ambush of two men leaving a hotel is believed to be the latest underworld-linked attack, as a hail of bullets was shot towards a packed pub, narrowly missing staff.
A 39-year-old man is dead and a 31-year-old man has multiple injuries after the shots were fired outside an inner Sydney pub about 6.40pm on Sunday.
Police are appealing for public help to find a dark-coloured vehicle which left the scene near The Harold hotel at Forest Lodge, and at least one shooter.
"But possibly more," Detective Superintendent Alf Sergi told 2GB Radio on Monday.
The two men shot were walking to a car about 100m from the hotel when they were attacked.
"As they got closer to the vehicle they appear to have been ambushed," Det Supt Sergi said.
"It was outrageous, a brazen and callous attack."
A bullet narrowly missed a woman working at the hotel.
"It would have been very, very frightening for them."
Medical students and a nurse at the pub helped provide treatment, as well as a doctor who lived nearby, Det Supt Sergi said.
The 31-year-old, who survived despite being shot multiple times, is believed to be linked to organised crime.
"We believe it was a targeted attack, based on one of the victim's backgrounds, with possible links to organised criminal networks," Det Supt Sergi said.
"He was chased by the offender. He was shot a number of times. He slumped at the back of the hotel."
The man was in a stable condition in hospital on Monday morning.
It is the 13th public shooting - and 4th fatal attack - in Sydney since Christmas.
Not all victims have had underworld links - plumber John Versace was executed in his driveway in Condell Park in a case of mistaken identity.
