Investigators believe the man aged in his early 20s was leaning on the tray of a white dual-cab utility that had stopped on Brisbane Street before it moved forward, causing him to fall and hit his head on the road.

Two ambulance crews were called to the scene on Brisbane Street near the intersection of Marius Street, a NSW Ambulance spokesman said.

"It appears a man had passed out and fallen off the back of a ute," he said.

"It looks like we took spinal precautions and the man could have been intoxicated at the time.

"We did take him to Tamworth hospital in a stable condition, but we did query his consciousness level and he looked semi-conscious."

He was later airlifted to John Hunter Hospital in Newcastle to be treated for a fractured skull. He was believed to be in a stable condition.

Officers are now asking for the public's help.

The man is believed to have fallen at about 12:20am on Sunday, on the street between Dowe and Marius Streets.

Police have said they believe it was a white dual-cab ute with a metal tray on the back involved in the incident and are urging the driver or any witnesses to come forward.

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Anyone with information should contact Tamworth Police Station on 6768 2999.

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*Editors note: This story has been changed after more information came to light from police and emergency services.