Cairns boy dead after alleged scuffle in suburban park

A 12-year-old boy has died during an alleged scuffle between two groups of youths in north Queensland overnight.

Emergency services were called to a suburban park in Cairns just before 6.30pm on Thursday after a parent at the park made the triple-zero call.

Police say initial investigations suggest the boy had been with three others when arguments broke out with a second group at Mooroobool's Shang Park.

It is believed the 12-year-old boy was then involved in a physical altercation between two groups and fell to the ground unconscious, police said in statement.

The boy was taken to Cairns Hospital but died within an hour of emergency services coming to his aid in the park.

A crime scene has been declared, with detectives now investigating the details of the altercation in order to determine how the boy died.

Detective Inspector Jason Smith said the young people playing in the park, which attracted 30 to 40 youths every afternoon, were present at the time of the incident.

"We’ve engaged family, medical experts and any other witnesses in the area to piece together what’s happened," he said.

"That's part of the challenge - we didn't locate too many signs of blood or traumatic injury of the boy."

Inspector Smith said Mooroobool had a largely Indigenous and tight-knit community.

"This incident will go through this entire community and it will be a very sorry time for everyone in this area," he said.

"I hope everyone comes together in this time of grief and supports each other ... waiting for police to identify the truth before they respond."

No charges have been laid and nobody is in custody.

Anyone who may have any information is urged to contact Policelink on 13 14 44 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.