Man shoots son-in-law dead when lad jumped out of a bush to surprise him on his birthday after travelling halfway around the world

Richard Dennis, 61, fired a single shot at Christopher Bergan, 37, who arrived at Dennis's home in the city of Pensacola after flying in from Norway on Tuesday night.

Chris Bergan was shot and killed by his father-in-law after jumping out of some bushes to surprise him for his birthday.

Bergan had previously lived in Florida before returning to Norway, where he lived with Dennis's daughter and their son.

Dennis, who wasn't expecting Bergan's visit, heard a banging on his door at 11.30pm.

He turned on his porch light before Bergan leapt "out of the shadows" from behind a bush while making growling noises.

Startled Dennis let off one round that struck Bergan in the heart, killing him instantly.