Sydney crime figure Pasquale Barbaro taken out in targeted shooting

A well-known Sydney gangland figure was killed overnight in an execution-style shooting.

Police have released disturbing details of the Earlwood shooting that left crime identity Pasquale Barbaro dead, according to the Daily Telegraph.

Officers found the man's heavily tattooed body facedown on the suburban footpath as they responded to reports of a shooting about 9.40pm on Monday night.

The victim was found unable to be revived at the scene after suffering multiple gunshot wounds.

Police said earlier investigations suggested the hit was a targeted shooting and investigations are continuing, headed by the State Crime Commands Homicide Squad.

Mr Barbaro was no stranger to gangland hits. His grandfather and father were both taken out in targeted strikes, according to the Telegraph.

The crime figure, rumoured to be a high-ranking informant for the state's Crime Commission, avoided a shooting just days ago.

Last Monday night Mr Barbaro ran from a hail of bullets aimed at him as he stood outside a Leichhardt business. Following this incident an officer told the Telegraph the shooting had "all the hallmarks of an attempted professional hit, except they missed".

He was due to face court next month over manufacturing the drug ice.

Following last night's fatal shooting, crews were called to a vehicle fire at Goddard Park in Concord about half an hour later. Police believe the vehicle, an Audi Q7, may have been involved in the Earlwood shooting.