Birmingham police are investigating after a 3-year-old boy was shot to death Thursday morning.

The incident happened in the 7500 block of Second Avenue North.

Police and firefighters were dispatched at about 11:42 a.m. and the child, suffering from a gunshot wound, was pronounced dead on the scene.

“The circumstances surrounding this shooting incident is under further investigation,” said Birmingham police Sgt. LaQuitta Wade.

“Being this close to the holidays, this is a very, very sad occasion,” Wade said. “We offer our condolences to the parents and the family.”

The shooting happened inside the family’s residence where the boy’s mother was home, as well as other people.

Robert Walker, president of the Wahouma Neighborhood Association and president of the East Lake Community, said the boy’s death is a tragedy and appeared to be accidental.

“To my understanding, it was an accident,’’ he said. “I don’t see anyone intentionally shooting a 3-year-old.”

“I ask that that everyone not be judgmental,’’ Walker said. “To say it’s unfortunate is an understatement, but what we’re looking at is unfortunate things happened, mistakes happen.”

Walker said he doesn’t know the family personally but has seen the boy at the home.

“It’s going to affect the community as far as sadness,’’ he said. “What can you say when you find out a 3-year-old has lost his life this close to Christmas?”

Walker said he is encouraging everyone to be careful with their weapons.

“You can never be too careful,’’ he said. “Kids, they go out, they explore a lot, they’re curious about everything.”

“Everything is brand new to them,’’ Walker said. “They don’t know the dangers that come with it.”