ONE man has died and a second man is in police custody after an assault in Raymond Terrace overnight.
Just before 2am on Tuesday April 9, emergency services were called to Cambridge Avenue, following reports a man was found with serious head injuries.
Police have been told the injured man was involved in an altercation when he was reportedly assaulted.
Paramedics treated the 38-year-old man but he could not be saved and died at the scene.
Police arrested a 29-year-old man nearby.
He was taken to Raymond Terrace police station before being transferred to Maitland Hospital for assessment.
A crime scene has been established and the street, which backs onto Irrawang Public School, has been cordoned off while forensic teams and detectives investigate the circumstances leading up to the man's death.
An axe is among items discovered by police at the scene. Forensic officers were also seen investigating pieces of clothing, a hat, bikes and a discarded scooter nearby.
Irrawang Public School remains open but students and parents were advised to avoid the Cambridge Avenue entrance on Tuesday morning.
"Dear Parents/Carers, please drop your students off at Geer St gate today. CAMBRIDGE ST is closed for student access.
"Limited access for support class transport at Roslyn St gates ONLY so I kindly request that all students where possible, use Geer St gates to enter this morning. Thank you for your cooperation," a notice on the school's social media said.
As inquiries continue, anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has dashcam footage is urged to contact Crime Stoppers: 1800 333 000 or https://nsw.crimestoppers.com.au.