A man has died after being bashed in a backyard by his elderly mother’s neighbour, New South Wales police say.

The 50-year-old man was visiting his mother at Cardiff, south-west of Newcastle, when he was involved in an argument with the neighbour, 57, on Friday afternoon.

“The 57-year-old man entered the backyard and allegedly assaulted the 50-year-old, punching and kicking him to his face and body, before returning to his house,” a NSW Police statement said.

“A friend took the 50-year-old to Maitland Hospital where he died.

“Police were called and a crime scene was established.”

Police said the neighbour was arrested at his home last night.

He was taken to Charlestown Police Station and charged with murder.

He was due to appear in Newcastle Local Court on Saturday.