Man is 'beaten to death with a broomstick' in neighbour dispute 'over bird feeding' - despite the heroic efforts of a cab driver who tried to stop the attack
A neighbourhood dispute over early morning bird feeding may have sparked an altercation between two men that left one of them dead.
Police were called to Whiting Street, in Labrador on the Gold Coast about 5.40am on Wednesday morning after reports of an argument between two men.
When police arrived, they found a 60-year-old man had collapsed. Paramedics attempted to resuscitate him but he died at the scene.
Detectives are now investigating whether he was assaulted using the end of a broomstick.
Detective Inspector Chris Ahearn from the Gold Coast Criminal Investigation Branch said they were investigating whether the dispute was triggered over bird feeding.
'It appears there has been an ongoing dispute between the two of them, that has progressed to some sort of physical confrontation,' Det Ahearn told reporters on Wednesday.
Police were called to Whiting Street, in Labrador on the Gold Coast about 5.40am on Wednesday morning after reports of an argument between two men
When police arrived, they found a 60-year-old man had collapsed and are now investigating whether he was assaulted using the end of a broomstick
'Disputes of this nature can be complex.'
The men are understood to have had a verbal altercation on the edge of their driveways early on Wednesday morning before it turned physical.
A 48-year-old man was taken into custody and is assisting police in their investigation.
The unsung hero of the ordeal was a passing taxi driver, who reportedly pulled over and tried to break up the altercation.
He has been assessed for potential injuries after stepping between the men.
'He stopped the fight,' Det Ahearn said, before adding that he is giving an eyewitness account of how the events unfolded.
Charges are yet to be laid but Det Ahearn said early indications suggest the broom handle was used as a weapon.
Pictured: Investigators taking photographs of the scene where a 60-year-old man died following an altercation
'We see from time to time a neighbours dispute escalating into something more… On the face of it, it seems what's happened here.'
It was 'particularly concerning' given the incident occurred in a quiet residential street while family watched on.
Members of both men's families were at home at the time of the incident and witnessed the fight.
Det Ahearn said they were still processing what happened and were 'of course in shock.
'These are dramatic events,' he said.
Police will speak with both families and are working to determine the history between both men.
Police have called for any other witnesses to come forward or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Police will speak with both families and are working to determine the history between both men