Paramedics worked on the taxi driver but he died at the scene. Picture: Nicole Garmston

Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Mick Hughes said Muktar Mahmud, 31, had just finished his shift when he was set upon by the attacker.

Five minutes later two people sitting in Condell Reserve, near the corner of Napier and Condell street, heard a faint cry for help.

A young man, with shoulder length fair hair, wearing dark clothing and carrying a satchel was seen running through the park.

“There is no suggestion he is involved, but he is certainly in the location,” Insp Hughes said.

“We ask him to contact police and come forward.”

Mr Mahmud suffered upper body injuries from an edged weapon.

Muktar Mahmud was attacked just 30 metres from his home.Source:Supplied

Paramedics and police arrived at the scene and tried to revive Mr Mahmud, but he went into cardiac arrest and died at the scene.

“We know Fitzroy is a very cosmopolitan area, people are moving around at that time, we’ve had a couple of witnesses come forward,” Insp Hughes said.

Police would not say what weapon was used, but said the injuries were not inflicted by a gun.

No weapons have been found.

Ahmed Goud, a relative of Mr Mahmud, was told about his death this morning.

“I’m shocked,” he said.

“I pray for him and his family. All I know is he’s a nice guy, young boy, hardworking.”

Mr Goud said Mr Mahmud lived with his dad in Fitzroy.

He wasn’t married and didn’t have any children.

Police search Mr Mahmud’s taxi parked nearby. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSource:News Corp Australia

Searching for clues. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSource:News Corp Australia

Forensic officers at the scene. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSource:News Corp Australia

The driver was found on the corner of Napier and Condell streets Fitzroy, near the town hall. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSource:News Corp Australia

Police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers. Picture: Nicole GarmstonSource:News Corp Australia

Where the driver was attacked.

Police have reviewed CCTV in the cab and found Mr Mahmud had no passengers.

It’s understood he was not robbed.

Victorian Taxi Association chief executive officer David Samuel said: “The Victorian Taxi Association is shocked and saddened by the news of the death of a taxi driver in the Fitzroy area last night.”

“We are yet understand the circumstances of the events but the industry will do all it can to assist police in their investigation,’’ Mr Samuel said.

“We send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the driver.

“Our thoughts too are with drivers around the state who service the travelling public, especially late at night as they come to terms with this news.

“We’ll continue to provide the industry with updates as more information becomes available.”

Police urge anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or via crimestoppers.com.au