Police working to identify deceased Hamilton cyclist

Hamilton Police are warning commuters in the north of the City's CBD to expect delays as they work to establish the circumstances behind the discovery of a dead cyclist early this morning.

Detective Sergeant Daryl Smith of the Hamilton CIB said Police were contacted by ambulance staff about 1.15am in relation to a job they were dealing with to assist a man found lying on the footpath on the east side of Victoria St at the intersection with Edgecumbe St.

"Shortly after the arrival of other emergency services the man died at the scene. His bicycle was found lying close to where his body was and the focus of our enquiries at this point is confirming the man's identity and how he came to be there.

"The enquiry is very much in its formative stages and it will be some time before we anticipate further information being available."

As detectives work to formally identify the dead man Mr Smith said the public could help by contacting Hamilton Police if they had any information that would help the enquiry.

"We would like to hear from anyone who was traveling on Victoria St near the Fairfield Bridge at about 1:00am.

"While tragic, this death is also a timely reminder for cyclist to do their part for road safety by always wearing a helmet and having lights and reflectors on their bikes, items that appear to have been lacking in this case."

Motorists can expect delays this morning as they head into work around the north of Hamilton's CBD, particularly around the Fairfield Bridge.

The intersections between Victoria and Abbotsford, Victoria and Edgecumbe, Edgecumbe and Dyer Streets and the intersection of Victoria St and the Fairfield Bridge for traffic turning left into the City are likely to be closed for several hours.

Anyone with any information on the incident is asked to contact Mr Smith at the Hamilton Central Police Station on 07 858 6200.