A RUSSIAN TV presenter was shot dead by her estranged husband as the couple's nine-year-old son watched.

Zhanna Veber, 29, was reportedly gunned down by her husband Anatoly Leontikov.

Local media reported that she was killed in front of her nine-year-old son Dmitry.

Veber was said to be a popular television personality in the Krasnodar region in southern Russia, which borders both Urkaine and Georgia.

Leontikov fled, taking the couple's son. He later gave himself up to police.

Local media reported that Veber split from Leontikov two years ago but the pair were not officially divorced.

The couple were said to arguing over the custody of Dimitri. Veber had reportedly tried to limit Leontikov's access to their son.

An unnamed friend said Leontikov had "broken a window" to gain access to the home.

Laba TV, the station where she worked, described her as a "talented journalist".

Viewers left their own tributes.

"Such a tragedy for the family, loved ones, friends and colleagues. It's hard to believe. We mourn together with you. Eternal memory," a man called Sergei wrote.