A father killed himself moments after his two-year-old son found a loaded gun and shot himself, authorities in South Carolina say.

Keon Myers, 38, shot himself in the head following a short stand-off with police during which he refused to drop his weapon.

Officers were called to the family's home in Columbia after Mr Myers' toddler son, Kyree, accidentally shot and killed himself.

Police are investigating if the victims were killed with the same weapon and whether the gun was bought legally.

Columbia Police Chief Skip Holbrook said the incident has been "emotionally trying for responding officers" and said they will receive any support that they need.