An American toddler has shot and wounded his parents after getting hold of his mother's gun.

They believe the three-year-old, from New Mexico, was reaching for an iPod in her purse when he found the loaded weapon.

The woman - who is eight months pregnant - is stable in hospital.

The boy's father is said to have been treated in hospital and later released.

They will now be investigated for possible negligence.

The Albuquerque Journal reports that the shooting took place in a motel in Albuquerque where the family is said to have been living.