A man has died after he was shot at a home in Western Sydney on Wednesday afternoon, leading to a major police operation.

Emergency services were called to a property on Bruce Street in Merrylands West at approximately 3.15pm following reports of a shooting, according to New South Wales Police.

The man in his 40s was treated by NSW Ambulance paramedics, but died at the scene.

Police are yet to identify the man.

Homicide Squad detectives have launched an investigation and crime scene has been established.

Detective Superintendent Simon Glasser confirmed the property’s owners are associated with Sydney’s underworld and are known to police, but that the victim was not.

“People that are linked to this address are known to Sydney to organised crime,” Detective Superintendent Glasser said.

“The victim has no links to organised crime that we are aware of. However, he is associated with people that reside at this address.”

It is believed the victim arrived at the property alongside another male and two young children, who were already inside the home when the shooting occurred.

Detective Superintendent Glasser said the victim could have been caught up in a case of mistaken identity when he was shot and killed.

“It’s very early on in the investigation. However, tragically, that is a possibility that the wrong person has been shot by these offenders,” he said.

Police are now seeking information about a grey Audi sedan which was seen leaving the property westbound onto Bruce Street shortly after the shooting.

It comes just a day after innocent 23-year-old Marco Tapia was shot dead during a home invasion at Glen Alpine.

Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers at 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.