In the wake of the sudden and tragic death of her mother Whitney Houston earlier this year, family worried about Bobbi Kristina Brown, particularly after her relationship with Nick Gordon was revealed.

And now fears for Bobbi Kristina and concerns over the suitability of Nick Gordon as her boyfriend, will be heightened after a picture of him brandishing a gun has emerged.

In the snap Nick Gordon, 22 is seen holding the firearm up to his face while driving a car using the other hand.

While his face is obscured by the gun a tattoo on his forearm, a Chinese symbol, can be clearly seen identifying him in the snap.

It is not clear from the image if the fun is real, or if it is a replica, but the photo certainly has a shock factor regardless.

Nick Gordon is seen holding the firearm up to his face while driving a car using the other hand

The snap which emerged on Twitter has since been taken down and Bobbi Kristina Brown’s account has become private.

A spokesperson for Bobbi Kristina Brown, 19, refused to comment on the picture but said: “Nick is not her boyfriend.”

Bobbi Kristina Brown and Nick Gordon are currently filming their own reality TV show while they enjoy a vacation in Hawaii.

The pair has been busy shooting beach scenes for the show ahead of the October 17 premiere of docu-series The Houstons: On Our Own.

Bobbi Kristina Brown and Nick Gordon lived together as siblings for more than a decade before Whitney Houston’s death, with 22-year-old Nick considered to be the superstar’s unofficial adopted son.

Whitney Houston took him into her home when he was just 12 after his father went to prison and his mother was unable to take care of him.

However, following Whitney Houston’s death in February – having died at the age of 48 due to an accidental drowning complicated by heart disease and cocaine use – the controversial pair grew closer.

Thrilled with their holiday, Bobbi Kristina Brown tweeted on her return: “Home from Hawaii!! The trip was great! 🙂 so beautiful, cleansing, anointing & incredibly spiritual. Mom I feel you all over! IloveuALWAYS!”

As well as Bobbi Kristina Brown, the Lifetime show will feature Whitney’s sister-in-law and manager Pat Houston, Pat’s daughter Rayah, Whitney’s brother Gary, and mother, Grammy Award-winning singer Cissy.

It has been reported the main storyline will follow: “Pat and Gary as they take on their greatest challenge, supporting and guiding Bobbi Kristina as she faces the world alone.”

By the age of 30, Bobbi Kristina Brown will have inherited everything that belonged to her legendary mother.