A MAN was gunned down last night - shot multiple times as he visited a mechanic to recover his broken-down car.

Officers were still investigating the shooting as The Tribune went to press.

The shooting took place on East Street, near Coconut Grove Avenue, shortly after 8pm.

Witnesses at the scene said the man did not live in the area, and had called by to visit a local mechanic who had been repairing his car.

The car stood undisturbed at the crime scene, with drink cups sitting on top of the roof that the man had been sipping from only moments before the shooting.

The victim, who has not yet been named, was approached and shot multiple times, leaving blood pooled in the street.

Police said last night that the victim was standing in front of a residence when he was approached by a male suspect and shot.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The murder is the 78th to take place this year.

Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 919, 322-3333/4, the Central Detective Unit on 502-9910 or Crimestoppers on 328-TIPS .