Two heroic locals pursued the Texas gunman in a 95mph car chase before keeping a rifle trained on him until police arrived, it has emerged.

Brave resident Stephen Willeford is said to have confronted and shot Devin Patrick Kelley as he left the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs.

Despite having no military experience, he reportedly opened fire on the 26-year-old suspect with a rifle, hitting him in between his body armour.

As the alleged killer then dropped his own gun and fled in an SUV, Mr Willeford, 55, called on bystander, Johnnie Langendorff, to help him.

The pair jumped in Mr Langendorff’s truck and chased after Kelley, who had a head start, hitting speeds of 95mph as they weaved around traffic.

Eventually, they managed to run him off the road, it is claimed.

As Kelley – who has been named as the shooter by US media – lost control of the SUV and came to a halt, Mr Langendorff stopped his own truck.

Mr Willeford then leaped out, with his rifle drawn. He kept the weapon trained on Kelley until police arrived at the scene minutes later.