Teenager dies after accidentally shooting himself while taking selfies with a loaded gun

Tragic: Deleon Smith accidentally shot himself while taking a selfie

A teenager has died after accidentally shooting himself while taking selfies with a loaded gun - police have said.

Deleon Alonso Smith, 19, died of a single gunshot wound to the throat after accidentally pulling the trigger.

The young dad-of-two had been taking pictures of himself and his cousin while holding the weapon.

Police were called to his apartment in Houston, Texas, at around 1.30pm on Tuesday local time.

KPRC2

Scene: Police were called to Smith's apartment in Houston, Texas

Uncle Eric Douglas told local radio station KPRC : "It's the worst feeling in my life."

Grandmother Alma Douglas added: "It's a numb feeling. It's still unbelievable. Yesterday was my birthday and he came to wish me happy birthday, and now this kind of news."

Smith's cousin told police the pair had found the weapon earlier that day.