Hunt for clues in Sydney footpath death

Police are continuing to investigate the mysterious death of a man in western Sydney early on Boxing Day.

Emergency workers were called to John Street, Lidcombe, about 12.35am on Monday after two women spotted the 45-year-old unconscious on the footpath.

Police said the man, believed to be a local, had a wound to his head and died at the scene despite attempts to revive him.

"It's a terrible thing to happen the morning directly after Christmas," Detective Inspector Chris Laird told reporters.

He said neighbours had not seen or heard anything suspicious, and officers would conduct a line search of the area to look for weapons or other clues.

Police are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.