One man is dead and another is in hospital after being found unconscious on a footpath in Sydney's southwest following an apparent attack near a pub where they had been drinking.
Police found the pair, aged 39 and 41, about 2.15am (AEST) on Sunday at the intersection of Eucalyptus Drive and Berrigan Street in Macquarie Fields, and began CPR until paramedics arrived.
It's believed the men were attacked by an unknown number of assailants, but detectives are unsure what caused their injuries or what sparked the incident.
The 39-year-old was pronounced dead on arrival at hospital.
The other man is in hospital with minor injuries. Police are yet to interview him.
Macquarie Fields Local Area Command crime manager Detective Chief Inspector Mark Brett said the two were mates and were drinking at the nearby Glenquarie Hotel before the attack.
"The deceased was a 39-year-old man, single, who lived with his parents in Macquarie Fields," he told reporters on Sunday.
Police do not believe the men's injuries were caused by a gun or knife, but won't know for sure until a post-mortem examination is performed on Monday.
Det Insp Brett said the street was littered with wood and pieces of furniture that were due to be collected in a council clean-up and it was possible one of these had been used as a weapon.
"There's bits and pieces of that rubbish up and down the street, (but) we haven't been able to establish whether any of that was involved," he said.
The attack is not believed to be gang-related, although Det Insp Brett would not say whether either man was known to police.
"We're not prepared to discuss that at this time," he said.
Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed any suspicious activity near the intersection of Eucalyptus Drive and Berrigan St to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
