Neighbourhood dispute ends in death on Gold Coast footpath
A man has been found dead outside his home after a long-running neighbourhood dispute at the Gold Coast erupted into violence, police said.
Police were called by members of the public about 5.40am on Wednesday after the 60-year-old man was found lying lifeless on the footpath of Whiting Street at Labrador.
Police investigations are under way into the death of a man on the Gold Coast. Credit:Meagan Gillespie, Nine News, Twitter
An argument between the man and his neighbour became physical, police said, with a broom handle used as a weapon, before the man collapsed.
Paramedics attempted first aid on the man but he died at the scene. He had grazes to his arm and head.
A crime scene has been declared and a 48-year-old man is assisting police with their inquiries.
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn said police were speaking to witnesses.
"It appears that there's been some sort of an ongoing neighbourhood dispute between the two of them and that this morning has progressed to some sort of physical confrontation," he said.
Inspector Ahearn said one of the theories being investigated included the possibility the fight was over feeding birds.
He said a passing taxi driver who saw the brawl pulled over and stopped it.
"We believe [the taxi driver] might have also been the subject of an assault on him when he tried to intervene but those matters are being investigated," he said.
Inspector Ahearn said family members of both men were home at the time of the confrontation, which police believed happened as the 60-year-old was leaving his home.
"They're in shock," he said.
"These are dramatic events and they're still processing that and, of course, we're speaking to a number of them to obtain their versions of what they know happened this morning."
No charges have been laid.
Anyone who might have in the area between 5am and 6am is urged to contact police.
Jocelyn Garcia is a journalist at the Brisbane Times, covering breaking news.