Police investigate man found dead near Sydney playground

Mystery surrounds the death of the man whose body found yesterday afternoon just metres from a children's playground in Sydney.

Homicide police spent the day combing the scene at Glebe, but still do not know who the man is or how he died.

"It's at the early stages of the investigation at the moment," Detective Inspector Gavin Beck said.

"The body has not undergone an autopsy yet, and that will hopefully provide us further details of the circumstances of this mans death."

Police know the man is Asian and aged in his late 30s, but have little else information to go on.

His body was found by a passer-by yesterday afternoon.

Police believe the key to identifying the man will be public assistance.

"The park is frequented by a lot of local people here, so that's why we're appealing to the public," Det. Insp. Beck said.

Police urge anyone with information about the man to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.