A man has been killed in a drive-by shooting outside a nightclub in Melbourne, Australia.

Three others were hospitalised – including one who remains in a critical condition.

Police said the shooting took place at the Love Machine nightclub in Prahran, just outside Melbourne at 3:20am local time.

A 37-year-old security guard was taken to hospital after the attack; however, he died of his injuries a short time later.

Three other people were taken to hospital following the incident, with a 28-year-old man remaining in a critical condition.

Two men, aged 29 and 50-years-old sustained non-life threatening injuries.

Three of the victims were security guards at the nightclub – while the fourth was a man queuing to enter.

"Incredibly rare"

A police spokesperson said there are no indications that the attack was terror-related.

Victoria State Police spokesperson Andrew Stamper said: "It would appear that shots have been discharged from a car in this area into a crowd standing outside the nightclub.

"These things are still incredibly rare and there's nothing to indicate at the moment that this is part of a broader agenda."

Melbourne

Police are investigating whether a black Porsche SUV that was found burnt out in the north of the city was involved in the shooting.

In a post of Facebook, Love Machine host Steve Yousif said: "Overwhelmed with all your calls and texts, nothing but love for you all.

"What happened last night was uncalled for and devastating. For some of you it was a night out, the rest of the Love Machine family lost a beautiful soul today."