Boy accidentally shoots mother's friend dead with single headshot

Security video has captured the tragic moment a 12-year-old boy accidentally shot dead his mother’s friend while playing at a firing range.

The horrific accident occurred at a shooting range in Russia where the boy’s mother and her friend had been firing a rifle.

As they moved down the range to inspect their target, the young boy is seen to start handling the gun under the supervision of a female instructor.

The instructor then pulls out her camera phone and offers to photograph him as he pretends to fire the rifle, apparently unaware it is loaded.

A shot rings out as he picks up the rifle and pulls the trigger.

Police believe the victim died instantly from a single gunshot wound to the head.

While the boy is not expected to face any official action, the instructor could face charges for allowing the 12-year-old to play with the rifle.