Police investigating death outside Gold Coast home say there was fight between neighbours before man collapsed

A man who collapsed and died outside a home on the Gold Coast after a heated dispute police believe was sparked by a noisy bird has been identified.

Police at Whiting St in Labrador after the body of a man was found. Picture: Kyle Wisniewski.

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POLICE are investigating after a man died outside a house in Labrador this morning after a suspected fight between two next door neighbours.

Paramedics arrived at a house in Whiting St at 5.40am on Wednesday but were unable to revive a man who had collapsed during the altercation.

He has been identified as 60-year-old father Bradley Warren Ward.

Mr Ward had been living at the address with his mother Joyce Ward, who is the registered owner of the property.

A 48-year-old man is in hospital under police guard after falling during the incident.

A man has been found dead in Whiting St, Labrador. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

It’s believed at this stage the 48-year-old used a broom handle during the altercation.

Detective inspector Chris Ahern said one theory was the dispute was over the feeding of birds.

“That’s one of the theories we are currently investigating,” Det Ahern told reporters on Wednesday.

“Disputes of this nature can be complex, so we’ll look at all avenues at what the background is.

“It appears there has been an ongoing dispute between the two of them, that has progressed to some sort of physical confrontation.

“We are still speaking to witnesses and getting an exact version of events.

“We do know the deceased was leaving his house and the other gentleman was outside … There’s been some sort of discussion which became a dispute and escalated into a physical altercation.

A man has been found dead in Whiting Street, Labrador. Picture: Nigel Hallett.

“Our early indications are a physical altercation has taken place. One of the gentlemen retrieved a broom handle. Potentially the broom handle was used in the assault.

“Our early indications are the 48-year-old retrieved that broom handle.”

Det Ahern said a taxi driver who saw the fight was successfully able to stopped the altercation but was possibly assaulted himself. He is helping police with their investigation.

Family members were inside the houses of the men during the altercation and Det Ahern said they were in “shock” and “still processing” the events.

Police are asking for anyone on Whiting St between 5-6am to come forward or call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

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