Death at Kingston hotel after altercation, Canberra police investigate

A 44-year-old man, who is yet to have been formally identified, died after a fight between him and another man at the Kingston Hotel, about 9.15pm on Sunday.

The Canberra Times understands the fight between the men broke out in the pub's pool room, in full view of customers and bar staff.

It's also understood there were no security cameras in the area where the fight took place. Staff, paramedics and police attempted to revive the 44-year-old following the fight, but the man died at the scene.

Police did not say what caused the injuries that led to the 44-year-old's death. However, they did say that no weapons had been involved in the incident.

It is not known if the two men at the centre of the altercation were known to each other or what triggered the confrontation between the pair.

Do you know more? Email: andrew.brown@canberratimes.com.au

Detective acting superintendent Matt Reynolds said no one was in custody in connection to the incident as of Monday morning, but police were still questioning multiple witnesses.

"It was a very distressing incident for the members of the public and the staff," acting superintendent Reynolds said. "At this stage we are investigating the full circumstances in relation to the matter."

"At this time we are unable to say the circumstances of how [the fight] happened."

Police did not say whether either of the men involved in the fight were Canberra residents or were visiting.

Investigations into Sunday night's incident were continuing the following day with multiple detectives seen at the site on Monday.

"At this stage we're still reviewing the CCTV footage and there is a lot of CCTV," Acting Superintendent Reynolds said.

"We're speaking to all of the witnesses and staff."

Officers say it's suspected the fight might have been fueled by alcohol, but investigations were continuing.

The pub was opened to the public on Monday, along with the adjoining bottle shop. A spokeswoman for the Kingston Hotel declined to comment when contacted by The Canberra Times.

Police believe up to 30 customers were inside the pub when the fight took place.

"On arrival by police and paramedics, they made every attempt to shield the scene [from the public] and the male was moved to the ambulance," acting superintendent Reynolds said.

"Counselling for witnesses is available to them if required."

Anyone who was inside the pub at the time of the incident was urged to contact CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersact.com.au/.