A seven-year-old boy died in a shooting incident at a residence in Ha'ateiho, Tongatapu, on Friday evening, 2 September.

Chief Superintendent, Filipe Fifita said today, that the accident occurred at around 6:20pm last Friday. Tonga Police responded to a shooting incident, which claimed the life of the seven-year-old.

He said the boy was playing with his four-year old brother in their family vehicle where they found a loaded .22 rifle.

A child fired four shots at the boy, which tragically caused his death.

Police have seized the weapon and arrested the siblings' 40-year old father for possession of unlicensed ammunition and other firearm charges.

“We are reminiding firearm licence holders to take their responsibility with safe storage of their firearms seriously. It was only in April last year that an 18-year old male died from an accidental [shooting], and now we have lost another young life in a similar situation that could have been avoided,” said Chief Superintendent Fifita.

Tonga Police urged the public to help Tonga Police in keeping our communities safe and to feel safe by notifying us and or surrendering any unlicensed firearm in their possession.