Dead cyclist found in central Hamilton

File photo / NZ Herald

A cyclist has been found dead in central Hamilton early this morning.

Hamilton Detective Sergeant Daryl Smith said the man was found around 1.15am lying on the footpath on Victoria Street, near the Fairfield Bridge.

Ambulance staff found the man unresponsive and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Shortly after the arrival of other emergency services the man died at the scene. His bicycle was found lying close to where his body was and the focus of our enquiries at this point is confirming the man's identity and how he came to be there.

"The enquiry is very much in its formative stages and it will be some time before we anticipate further information being available."

Detective Sergeant Smith said police do not know the exact cause of the man's death at this stage, and they want to hear from anyone in the area about 1am.

The intersections between Victoria and Abbotsford, Victoria and Edgecumbe, Edgecumbe and Dyer Streets and the intersection of Victoria St and the Fairfield Bridge for traffic turning left into the city are likely to be closed for several hours.

Mr Smith said while the person's death is tragic, it is also a timely reminder for cyclists to always wear a helmet and have lights and reflectors on their bikes.

Anyone with any information on the incident should contact the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.

- Herald Online staff