A man who was stabbed to death outside a Melbourne nightclub early on Easter Sunday morning has been identified as a 'loving, gentle' father-of-six.
Ruka Carlson, 30, died after he was found bleeding heavily with multiple stab wounds outside Love Machine nightclub in Prahran, south Melbourne, at 1.30am on Sunday.
Chilling video taken by a bystander appeared to show Mr Carlson being swarmed by multiple attackers in the middle of the road.
Mr Carlson was later rushed to hospital in a critical condition but ultimately died from his injuries.
Police are investigating whether Mr Carlson might have been attacked with a broken bottle that was found at the scene.
Detectives also found a gun dumped in a nearby bin later in the day after the area had been shut down and a crime scene established.
Officers are still searching for Mr Carlson's killers, who remain on the run.
Detective Acting Inspector Chris Ellway said investigators are currently on the lookout for up to six men who they believe were involved in the death.
Ruka Carlson, 30, was found with multiple stab wounds in a pool of blood on Chapel Street, in Prahran, south Melbourne, at 1.30am on Sunday.
Witnesses claimed Mr Carlson had been involved in a fight with up to six other men who detectives are currently trying to locate.
A witness, Abz Al, who found Mr Carlson in the middle of the street said he did all he could to help the father.
'I just walked in and the other guys ran off and I tried to help [Mr Carlson], I put pressure on his wounds,' Mr Al told 7News.
He said he hoped Mr Carlson was all right before a reporter at the scene told him that he had died.
'He's dead? Is he dead? He was bleeding so much, I saw him. That's bad,' Mr Al responded.
Detective Ellway said Mr Carlson was known to police and that investigators are trying to figure out if the attack was targeted.
'[There are] no arrests as yet, we are looking at about five or six people involved and we would love for anyone to come forward,' he said.
'I don't think it was a random attack ... but we're still trying to work out what the circumstances are.'
Mr Carlson's fiancée, Monique, said he sent her a loving text just before he died.
She said her fiancé was 'the most loving, caring, gentle father' to their children who are aged between less than a year and nine years old.
'Our six kids and I are suffering immensely without him,' she told the Herald Sun.
Mr Carlson was due to appear in Heidelberg Magistrates' Court in May, according to court records obtained by The Age.
Detective Ellway said his team is investigating whether or not Mr Carlson had any affiliations with organised crime or gangs. Daily Mail Australia does not suggest he was involved in any criminality.
Homicide detectives were seen inspecting the area and dusting surfaces for fingerprints throughout the day on Sunday.
A white Mitsubishi with a broken door mirror and a white Mercedes sedan found nearby on Carlton Street were towed away by police and a section of Little Chapel Street remains cordoned off as investigations continue.
Anyone with information has been urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.