Underworld figure Niddal Asherkouk warned of a chilling plan to take his own life days before he was shot dead in a Surry Hills car park as the manhunt for his killers continues

An underworld criminal shot dead in front of panicked bystanders in Sydney’s city center had been warned of a possible attack on his life just weeks earlier after previously surviving a kidnapping attempt.

Niddal Asherkouk, 31, learned of the contract to kill him less than three weeks before he was shot dead by two trench coat gunmen in Crown Street in Surry Hills on Friday night.

Terrified families and visitors were seen fleeing for their lives as a series of shots rang out through the crowded street before the gunmen, who continued to flee, completed the “carefully planned” execution.

The couple went to great lengths to hide their identities, wearing large black ponchos, balaclavas, gloves and long trousers that hid their faces, skin color and body shape.

They first opened fire on Acherkuk’s car after waiting for the underworld figure at a BP gas station, where police sources say the men were awaiting his arrival.

30-year-old Acherkuk managed to move from the driver’s seat to the passenger seat, got out of the car and fled on foot.

The bandits pursued him, opening fire on pedestrians who fled into nearby shops to avoid being caught.

They shot and killed Acherkuk and then fled in the Porsche, which was found burnt out in nearby Kensington an hour after the shooting.

NSW Police previously said Achercuk had links to criminal organizations in Sydney and was known to police at the time of the “targeted” shooting that ended his life.

It later emerged that he was believed to have links to the Comanchero motorcycle gang but was not a member, sources told The Daily Telegraph.

Acherkuk’s death follows an incident last year in which three men attempted to kidnap him.

Last July, a man wearing a balaclava ran after Acherkuk as he left the Punchbowl gym and broke into his car.

The pair struggled until a car crashed through the front window of the store, causing three men in balaclavas to flee the scene in a white van.

Former NSW Police officer Glenn Gorrick said it was believed no members of the public were harmed.

“It’s an absolute miracle,” he told the Today program.

He said the shooting in a public place was not only brazen, but also a warning to other members of organized crime.

“I firmly believe that the retaliation from these criminal groups will be even stronger,” he said.

Police are now bracing for retribution from the underworld as the desperate hunt for the criminals continues.

“This is an outrageous incident that demonstrates a high level of reckless indifference to the public in and around the area at the time,” South Sydney Superintendent Andrew Garner told reporters on Saturday.

He added that Acherkuk suffered a gunshot wound to the upper body, but could not confirm how many shots were fired.

“He was alone in his car at the service station,” he said.

“He then exited the vehicle and walked along Cleveland Street where he died from his injuries.”

Supt Garner said the incident was “outrageous” and showed a disregard for public safety in a busy and crowded part of the city.

“We will work very hard to identify and arrest those involved and bring them to justice,” Supt Garner said.

“(My message to them)… We are coming for you.”

Footage from the scene shows blood stains on the road near the car service center.

Acherkuk’s body was earlier seen covered in a blood-soaked white sheet as paramedics desperately tried to revive him.

Supt Garner said police were investigating the movements of the burnt out vehicle.

NSW Police said in a statement on Friday evening that the shooting and the burnt-out car were believed to be linked.

Numerous rescuers were at the scene, including police and at least five ambulances.

Officers secured the intersection of Cleveland and Bourke streets prior to the police operation.

Several people inside one store were forced to take cover due to the sound of gunfire.

One local woman eating lunch nearby told Daily Mail Australia she heard three gunshots in the direction of BP.

Witnesses reported seeing the gunman jump out of a car before the shooting, and another witness said they saw a “bloody” man after the incident.

Another man told the Daily Telegraph he heard “explosion after explosion” and said “everyone just panicked” as chaos ensued.

“People are running and screaming everywhere. It was surreal. Terrible,” he said.

Some businesses were forced to close their doors overnight, and local grocery store Harris Farm was reportedly telling customers to leave.

The investigation into the shooting continues.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.