Story By: Ana Lacasa, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency: CEN

A 12-year-old boy has been killed during a group homework assignment when a classmate was playing around with a rifle in the house and accidentally shot him in the face.

The incident took place around 10.30am in Tabacundo in the northern Ecuadorian canton of Pedro Moncayo when six students gathered at a classmate’s home to carry out a cooking assignment.

According to the local police, one of the boys found a rifle in the home and several classmates began playing around with it.

Pictures Credit: CEN

After trying to shoot the weapon at the ceiling and believing it was not working, one boy – identified as 13-year-old Martin T. – pointed it at 12-year-old Omar V. Barrera and reportedly shot him in the face.

Police spokesman Edwin Barrera said: “After they tried to shoot the weapon and it did not work, they continued to play around with it.

“Minutes later, when the boy pointed it at his classmate, he pulled the trigger and killed his friend instantly.”

The emergency services were called to the house and police officers seized the rifle. 

In the photo the rifle can be seen on a bed in the house and local media report the 13-year-old suspect is being quizzed about the tragic incident.

As Martin T. is a minor, police are working alongside the local child services department.

Reports said that the teenager has to appear before a judge with one of his parents so that the police can continue investigating the youngster.