A TEENAGER was accidentally shot in the face by his girlfriend as the couple tried to put on the gun’s safety catch on, US police have said.

Jacob Lara was with his 16-year-old girlfriend at a southeast Houston home when the handgun went off, killing the 19-year-old boy in the early hours of Friday morning.

The young girl was reportedly holding the gun as she tried to put the safety catch on when the gun was fired.

HPD Homicide Division Sgt Hector Garcia said: “It’s my understanding this was an accidental discharge.

“I don’t think these individuals had experience with guns and as far as we can tell, there is no evidence there was any argument or any fighting of any kind.”

The incident took place just after midnight on Friday at a home in Sagedown, Houston.

Emergency services were called but Lara was dead when they arrived.

Tributes have since poured in for the young man, who has been remembered as an “angel”.

One friend said:”You were such a beautiful soul inside and out.

“You always made me laugh and smile when I talked to you either if it was a bad day or good day I was always so joyful to come to work to see you. You will be missed”.

Other friends have said they are in disbelief with a set up for the family.

The family and friends of Lara said: “Jacob was such a genuine person and always had the biggest smile on his face. He loved his family very much and took pride in being the man of the house.”

A Harris County grand jury will determine what, if any, charges will be filed in the case.