Man dies after having head smashed in with hammer in regional NSW

A man has died after he was allegedly smashed in the head with a hammer and a wrench by an attacker who is now facing a murder charge in regional New South Wales.

Police were called to a pub on Rose Street in Wee Waa around 4.30pm yesterday after receiving reports a man at the premises had a gun.

A short time later emergency services were called to a business on nearby Culgoora Road where a 57-year-old man had been attacked.

The man had been involved in an argument with a 37-year-old man who allegedly struck him in the head with both a hammer and a wrench before fleeing the premises.

The 57-year-old was treated by paramedics at the scene before being taken to Narrabi Hospital where he has since died.

The 37-year-old man was arrested around 6pm and a firearm was seized.

He was initially charged with attempted murder, but this has been upgraded to murder following the death of the victim. He has been bail and is expected to appear at Moree Local Court later today.