THE DEATH of a man in York city centre is not being treated as suspicious.

Mystery surrounded the man's death, after he was found injured in York city centre at about 4.30am today.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said they were called by the ambulance service after members of the public came across the injured man - who was aged in his sixties - outside Tesco in Piccadilly, York.

She said: "Despite the efforts of members of the public and medical staff at the scene, the man was sadly pronounced dead a short time later.

"An investigation is underway to determine how the man came to be injured and subsequently died."

Speaking this afternoon, the spokeswoman said a coroner's report was being prepared into the man's death.

She said: "Police believe that there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding the man’s death and are not looking for anyone else in connection with his death.

"The examination of the scene is now complete and the area has now reopened. Officers are in the process of contacting the man's next of kin."

Police cordoned off Merchantgate at its junction with Piccadilly and Fossgate and scene guards were in place until mid-afternoon.

The incident did not involve the Red Lion pub but was immediately outside.

A member of staff at the pub said they had not been told what had happened. They said: "I woke up at 5am to see blue lights flashing."

People working in the shops nearby were unable to get in to their businesses to open up, and buses and traffic was diverted, with temporary bus stops in place in Piccadilly.