Man dies after being hit by garbage truck in Sydney CBD: police
Police are appealing for information from the public and for the return of a lost mobile phone after the death of a 21-year-old man, who was allegedly hit by a garbage truck in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
Emergency services were called to Central Street in Sydney’s CBD at 1.30am on Monday after the man's body was found.
A garbage truck after its driver was arrested in Kings Cross. Credit:Nine News
Police stopped a garbage truck on Darlinghurst Road, Kings Cross, about 4.30am.
Its 52-year-old driver was arrested and taken to Day Street police station for questioning.
"The male person is in custody as we speak, and assisting police with inquiries," Sydney City Commander Detective Superintendent Gavin Wood said, adding that a "very serious" charge would be laid.
A crime scene was in place on Central Street, which runs alongside the Metro Theatre between George and Pitt streets, at 7am.
"The victim was wearing long denim jeans and a long shirt. He was on a mobile phone - the mobile phone is a significant part of the inquiry," Mr Wood said.
The missing phone is now a key part of the investigation after it disappeared from the crime scene.
"I would suggest quite clearly, someone has picked it up," Mr Wood said, urging whoever had done so to return it.
"We're here today to make an appeal to the general public."
He said that the company that owned the truck, Sydney Waste Services, had "assisted police in some respects".
The company released a brief statement saying "we have been made aware by police of an incident early this morning involving one of our trucks and drivers and we are deeply distressed by what has happened".
In addition to the mobile phone, police are appealing for anyone who saw, or has dash cam footage of, the incident to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.