Police investigating the circumstances of a man dropped at Tauranga Hospital prior to his death are appealing for information.

Police believe the man who was dumped at the hospital's ED with critical injuries around 12.30pm yesterday, was at a Wilrose Place address in Gate Pa prior to being dropped off.

The man died in hospital a short time later, says police.

"Police are working to establish how the man sustained the injuries and would like to hear from anyone who was in the Wilrose Place area yesterday."

Armed police were spotted in Gate Pa around 3pm.

A SunLive reader says police had shut down Wilrose Place, off Courtney Rd, as members of the AOS investigated a business.

Anyone with information is being urged to contact Detective Inspector Lewis Warner at the Tauranga Police Station on 07 577 4300.

Alternatively, information can be left anonymously via the Crimestoppers 0800 555 111 line.