Homicide squad detectives are investigating the death of a man in Melbourne’s east, which residents say was a shooting.

Police, ambulance and firefighters responded to reports of an altercation at apartment tower 3, 851 Whitehorse Road in Box Hill just before 2am today.

The ABC has spoken to two residents who heard gunshots, which one believed was on the 11th floor.

Police and residents outside a residential tower in Box Hill

Police were called to a tower in Box Hill overnight where a man has died in an altercation. (ABC News)

Officers said a man, who was yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.

The ABC understands residents from the tower were initially evacuated but have since been allowed back inside. 

Forensic services arriving at a Box Hill tower.

Forensic services also attended the scene. (ABC News)

Footage taken outside the address shortly after the incident showed emergency services talking to people on the street and forensics arriving at the scene.

Fire Rescue Victoria said it responded to the incident about 1:30am when a fire alarm in the building was activated.

Ambulance Victoria said it sent Advanced Life Support and Mobile Intensive Care paramedics to the scene.

Police are asking for anyone with information about what happened to contact Crime Stoppers.

Residents waiting outside a Box Hill tower during the night

Residents at the Trio tower on Whitehorse Road were initially evacuated because a smoke alarm went off. (ABC News)