A man who was found dead with a gunshot wound in a shed in Baxter has been described as a "typical battler" who was a "number one helper in the street".
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A 45-year-old man has been arrested after the man was found dead before 11am on Saturday in a Station Crescent home, about 50 kilometres south of Melbourne.
Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are treating the man's death as suspicious.
A Baxter man, believed to be known to the dead man, has been arrested and is helping police with their inquiries.
Ambulance Victoria spokesman John Mullen said they were called to a scene of a shooting involving a man in his 60s.
A neighbour, who didn't want to be identified, said they heard a bang at about 7.30am, but didn't think much of it.
"It is a semi-rural area ... and bangs are not that uncommon," she said.
"It startled all the animals like crazy."
She said they were shocked to hear about the death because their neighbour was the "number one helper in the street".
"He was lovely; he was a typical battler," she said.
"He absolutely loved his dog. She was his world."
"I couldn't have a conversation with him without laughing."
The neighbour said the man's partner had died a few years ago and he shared the house with friends of his late partner, a family of three, to assist with the cost of living.
"It is a dual-occupancy; they shared meals together."
She said the man's dog was being looked after by another neighbour.
"It's just horrible," she said. "He was just a genuine, lovely man. A very friendly guy, he just helped everyone out."
Station Crescent was a quiet and safe suburban area without any crime, she said.
Anyone with information or who may have witnessed the incident is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential crime report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.