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POLICE have refused to release the name or photo of the man suspected of gunning down a young mother despite warning the public he is "armed and dangerous".

Officers say the man has an "extensive violent criminal history" and they have "no idea" where he now is.

But they have declined to provide further information, saying they do not want to jeopardise any future trial.

Asked if their actions could put the public at risk, police told NEWS.com.au that they would face criticism whether they released a photo or not.

A spokeswoman said: “We have to look down the track… it could be the case that a person identified the suspect from the media (instead of getting a good look at him at the scene).”

If a future trial was thrown out, “this guy’s thrown back on the streets”.

“Either way, we’re going to be criticised.”

Tracy Greenbury, 33, was shot in the head as she tried to get help from a neighbour after fleeing her home in Frankston, Melbourne, yesterday.

Police have since found the suspect`s getaway car and have four "associates" helping with inquiries at Frankston police station.

Officers confirmed no photos would be released at a press conference this morning, saying they were keen to establish identity beyond a reasonable doubt.

"We`re keen for him to be apprehended as soon as we possibly can," Det Insp Stephen Clark said.

"As keen as I am to see him brought into police custody the last thing that we can afford to do is to jeopardise a trial and have him walk free."

Det Insp Clark was reluctant to go into specifics on the suspect`s criminal past, but confirmed that he has an "extensive violent criminal history".

He urged the public not to approach the suspect, describing him as "armed and dangerous", and said anyone who saw him should call 000 immediately.

Police believe the suspect lived alone, and have searched previous addresses.

Det Insp Clark appealed for the gunman to give himself up, saying that his main concern was for the public`s safety.

He was last seen driving a white Mazda utility vehicle with a white canopy, registration ETM 150, in Somerville late yesterday afternoon.

Ms Greenbury had told her family she feared for her life after being told the man had killed and raped before.

The Herald Sun understands the suspect has a prior conviction for murder and had previously shown Ms Greenbury his gun and ammunition.

Ms Greenbury`s father Max said his daughter alerted him to the suspect’s violent nature about a week ago.

“`Dad, she said, `he kept me for two hours in a caravan and I tried to get away`,” Mr Greenbury told 3AW radio.

“He dragged me in by the hair and he produced a gun, put it to my head and then he took the gun away and pulled the bullets out of the gun and said, ‘Don’t push my buttons, you’re pushing me too far’.

“I said to her we’ve got to go to the police, and she said, ‘I’m too frightened Dad’, she said, ‘just let it go, he’ll probably go away’.”

Anyone with information can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.

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