'Suspicious' death in Matamata

File photo / APN

Police are treating as suspicious the death of a man who collapsed and suffered a head injury last night in the Waikato town of Matamata.

Emergency services were called to a house near the centre of the town about 6.30pm after family members could not detect the man's pulse.

"Despite the efforts of friends, family and paramedics, the man could not be revived, Detective Sergeant Rod Carpinter said.

Mr Carpinter said the Fijian man "had been drinking heavily since the previous afternoon".

Police had been called to the property about 45 minutes earlier after reports the man had been in an argument with another man, he said.

"The altercation was defused and both men returned to the address where emergency services were later called to."

Mr Carpinter said police were expected to complete their examination of the scene today and were not looking for anyone else in connection with the death.

"All family members and other parties involved have been thoroughly cooperative and have been assisting the enquiry team with their investigation."

- NZHERALD STAFF