A father in far north Queensland was fatally stabbed with a pair of scissors by his son on New Year’s Day, police allege, with forensic officers searching the property for the weapon.

Police said they were called to a residence on Farm Road in the Indigenous community of Palm Island about 5pm on Monday to reports a 52-year-old man had been stabbed in the neck during an altercation at a social gathering.

He was taken to the Townsville Hospital for emergency surgery, but died a few hours later.

The man’s 19-year-old son was charged with his murder overnight.

Detective Inspector Leonie Steyger said officers would remain on the island until the weapon was located.

“They have a number of witnesses that they need to talk to and obtain statements from, they’re also conducting searches for the implement that was used and any relevant other crime scenes then the one that we know of,” she said.

She said the family of the victim were “devastated” by the incident.

“Any investigation where family or close associates are involved does make it very emotive and very difficult,” she said.

“They’ve lost a father, husband and also have the son or brother who may be responsible for that so they’re quite emotional and upset at this time.”

The 19-year-old man was expected to appear in the Townsville Magistrates Court on Wednesday.

-ABC