Father murdered in front of two children while attempting to buy puppy

A father in the US was murdered in front of his two children while attempting to purchase a puppy advertised on Facebook.

Scott Bowman responded to an advertisement on the social networking website by a man, who has not been named, that was looking to rehome a puppy.

The man insisted on delivering the dog to Mr Bowman's home in Jacksonville, Florida, according to KRON-4.

Once inside the home, Mr Bowman's fiancée claimed the man started behaving in a drunk and volatile manner.

A fight broke out between Mr Bowman and the man, while his two children were nearby.

Mr Bowman was then fatally shot in the chest.

Police took the alleged gunman into custody.

While the incident remains under investigation, charges are yet to be laid.