The group heard loud bangs and observed four unknown men with their faces covered standing in a nearby basketball court.

Two of the men were armed with firearms and fired a number of shots towards the group.

The victim and his friends ran to their cars parked in Drummond Street and fled the scene.

The victim, a 25-year-old Kings Park man realized in the car he had been shot and was taken to hospital.

Investigators are keen to speak to any witnesses that were in the Carlton area at the time of the shooting or anyone with information.

Anyone with information about the shooting incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or make a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.