A major investigation into a man’s death has been launched after police were not aware of a serious assault taking place in public until 12 hours after it happened.

Police have since been told that two men, aged 40 and 36, were involved in an argument in a “public thoroughfare” near The Crescent in Fairfield just before 103.0pm on October 24.

It’s alleged the younger man assaulted the 40-year-old, who fell to the ground before allegedly being placed on a nearby bench.

The injured man was only discovered at about 10.20am the following morning by a passer-by, who found him unresponsive and called emergency services.

Paramedics rushed him to Liverpool Hospital in a critical condition, but he could not be saved.

Officers from Fairfield Police Area Command were not notified until later about the incident.

A NSW Police spokesperson told NCA NewsWire officers were not called about the argument or assault, and the critical incident was declared to investigate why police did not know about the alleged assault earlier.

“Following inquiries, a critical incident investigation was declared today (Thursday 2 November 2023) with officers from Cumberland Police Area Command to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the actions of police,” a police statement said.

The 36-year-old man has been charged over the death and remains before the courts.

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