Relatives of a missing man shot and dumped in the back of a ute in Melbourne’s northwest are resigned to the fact he’s probably dead.

Police have since charged a man in relation to the shooting as they continue to search for the alleged victim.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Family’s anguish as search continues for missing father

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

Speaking through tears at the search scene in Wildwood, the family of Khaled Malas, 37, say they just need answers.

“Khaled is a beautiful man. He did not deserve what happened to him,” his cousin Abdul Malas said.

The victim’s family and friends came to Wildwood on Friday, begging police for answers. They know the father of three was shot and probably dumped nearby. Police just haven’t found him yet.

Malas’ wife recently gave birth to their third child.

“Very bad. She’s still waiting for two days now and nothing,” cousin Oubayda Malas said when asked how she was coping.

Khaled Malas disappeared on Wednesday. Credit: 7NEWS

His wife recently gave birth to their third child. Credit: 7NEWS

Police searching Wildwood. Credit: 7NEWS

Two nights ago, Malas and two others went to the Wildwood property to collect a debt.

“He’s going to ask him when he’s going to give him his money,” Oubayda said.

Around midnight, he was shot and police suspect loaded into a ute. The shooter made at least two stops in five hours before being arrested when he came home.

The 56-year-old has been charged with one count of intentionally cause serious injury. He will face court on Friday night.

“Khaled, he got to ask for his right. Then he killed him. Could you believe that?” Abdul said.

A ute suspected to be involved may two stops. Credit: 7NEWS

It has been seized for forensic examination. Credit: 7NEWS

Police search from the sky. Credit: 7NEWS

The search has expanded to a tip in Sunbury, with detectives also looking for the gun.

Police spent most of the morning focusing on a creek, but it’s too deep and fast moving for divers or their boat to search it.

With every passing hour, hope of finding the father alive fades.

“He’s dead. He’s not dead. We want to know,” a relative said.

Victoria Police issued a statement saying Malas remains unaccounted for and they believe he has succumbed to his injuries.

“Detectives are continuing to appeal for anyone who has information about the whereabouts of the man, or who saw a black Mitsubishi Triton ute travelling through the Greenvale, Sunbury, Bulla, Oaklands Junction and Wildwood areas on Wednesday night and early Thursday morning to contact police,” they said in a statement.

“They would also like to speak to anyone from those areas who may have dash-cam footage or CCTV.”

Anyone who sees Malas is urged to contact triple-0.