The body of a young man remains in York Street, Timaru after it was found there early this morning.
St John's Ambulance service was called to York Street at 4.00am after they had been advised of a person lying on the roadway.
On arrival they located a male lying in the centre of the road. He was unresponsive and their efforts to revive him were unsuccessful.
The scene is currently being examined by a forensic pathologist and ESR staff who have travelled to Timaru from Christchurch.
It is hoped examination of the immediate scene will be completed later today so the deceased's body can be removed. The body will be taken to Christchurch for a post mortem examination to determine the cause of death.
At this stage the identity of the man cannot be confirmed although he is believed to be from Timaru and aged in his mid to late 20's.
Further information is not available at this time and the next update will be made tomorrow.
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Inspector Dave Gaskin - Timaru