Teenage boy shot dead near Port Macquarie

A 15-YEAR-OLD boy has been shot dead on the mid-north coast of NSW, police say.

The 15-year-old was found dead inside the home on Koonwarra St after suffering a gunshot wound to the body.

A teenage boy known to the victim was arrested at the scene and taken in by police for questioning.

Inspector Ron Mudford from Port Macquarie police told The Daily Telegraph officers responded to a 000 call about midday.

"Upon arrival of police, a 15-year-old male was located deceased in the home with what appeared to be a gunshot wound to the body," he said.

"We located a firearm at the scene and a teenage male is currently assisting us with inquiries along with a number of witnesses who are also currently being interviewed."

Inspector Mudford said there were no signs of an altercation leading up to the alleged shooting.

He said the shooting may have been an accident.

"There is a chance that this may have been an accidential shooting."

No charges have been laid over the incident.

A post mortem will be conducted and police will prepare a report for the coroner.

Nathan Poole lives a short distance from where the boy was shot.

The professional fisherman was making a net at the back of his property when he heard the fatal shot.

"It sounded like a large piece of wood hitting the ground.

"I heard a loud bang and some yelling.

"I didn't pay much attention. I thought it was a domestic dispute."

Mr Poole said he wasn't aware of the tragedy until he saw emergency vehicles in the street when he went to collect his mail after lunch.

Another neighbour, Nanette Court, described the street as "very quiet" and said the family of the dead boy had lived at the property for about four or five months and kept to themselves.