A GUNMAN who stormed a Sunday church service and shot 26 people dead was booted out of the US Air Force for attacking his wife and kid.

Devin Kelley burst into the First Baptist Church, in Sutherland Springs, Texas, and opened fire on the congregation - with those killed including a five-year-old child.

31 The area around a site of a mass shooting is taped out in Sutherland Springs, Texas Credit: AP:Associated Press

US President Donald Trump has described the 26-year-old killer as "deranged" saying a the shooting was a "mental health problem at the highest level", but not a "gun situation".

The US Air Force confirmed Kelley served in its ranks from 2010 and was posted to its Logistics Readiness unit at Holloman Air Force Base in New Mexico.

He was court-martialed in 2012 on charges of assaulting his wife and child, and given a bad-conduct discharge, confinement for 12 months and a reduction in rank, Air Force spokeswoman Ann Stefanek said.

The 14-year-old daughter of the church's pastor and a pregnant woman were among those killed in the blood-soaked massacre in the quiet Texas town - which has a population of just 400.

31 Devin Kelley was discharged from the air force after accusations he assaulted his wife and child Credit: Texas Police Department

31 Pastor Frank Pomeroy's 14-year-old daughter Annebelle was killed in the shooting Credit: Facebook

31 An aerial view of the alleged gunman's car in neighbouring Guadalupe County Credit: Universal News (Europe)

31 No clear motive has been established for the slaughter of churchgoers including children Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 A man wipes his eyes after a deadly shooting at the First Baptist Church Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 Kelley's Facebook page showed a picture of an assault weapon under the words 'she's a bad b****' Credit: Facebook

Dozens dead following mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas

The gunman was dressed in black, tactical-type gear and wearing a ballistic vest when he entered the church during the late morning service.

He fired a semi-automatic weapon into the congregation of about 50 during the middle of the service – stopping only to reload his gun.

County Sheriff Joe D. Tackitt Jr said there was "no way" for worshippers to escape the bloodshed.

He said: "He just walked down the centre aisle, turned around and my understanding was shooting on his way back out."

He added: "It's unbelievable to see children, men and women, laying there. Defenseless people."

The sheriff has said Kelley's former in-laws would attend services at the church "from time to time", but were not at Sunday's service.

Kelley attempted to flee the murder scene after reportedly being caught up in a gun battle with crack-shot plumber Stephen Willeford, 55, who began chasing him down.

The killer was found dead in his car alongside a cache of weapons after crashing the vehicle close to the border of a neighbouring county.

31 Devin Kelley has been named as the killer in the Texas church massacre Credit: Facebook

31 He was found dead in his car alongside a cache of weapons Credit: Enterprise News and Pictures

31 Kelley pictured as a freshman at New Braunfels High School, Texas, in 2006 Credit: Poppel Yearbook Library

31 Family and friends gathered behind a crime scene cordon desperate to find out what happened to their loved ones Credit: Getty Images - Getty

31 Cops have set tents up around the scene as they continue investigations into the mass shooting Credit: EPA

Donald Trump claims Texas gun attack was a 'mental health problem' and not a 'gun situation'

Mr Tackitt told CBS News it is believed the gunman shot himself after crashing the car.

Two officials said married dad, Kelley, lived in a suburb of San Antonio and does not appear to have links to organised terrorist groups.

Kelley's now deleted Facebook page showed a photo of what appeared to be an assault rifle, posted under the words: "She's a bad b****."

The page also featured the Mark Twain quote: "I do not fear death."

The killer's Linked In profile reveals he has previously taught bible studies to kids as young as four.

But, former schoolmates revealed he was a militant atheist whop would rant on Facebook about "stupid" religious people.

By Sunday night cops had surrounded Kelley's rural address with a neighbour revealing he had heard gunfire coming the property in recent days, saying: "It was someone using automatic weapon fire."

The killer's uncle Dave Ivey told NBC News: "I never in a million years could have believed Devin could be capable of this kind of thing."

Governor of Texas Greg Abbott addresses the media following Sutherland Springs mass shooting

31 Horrified onlookers at the site of Sunday's tragic shooting which has claimed the lives of 26 people Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 Law enforcement and forensic officials gather near the First Baptist Church Credit: Getty Images - Getty

31 Police block a road in the aftermath of the massacre Credit: AFP or licensors

31 The gunman's car is hauled on to a flatbed truck in Sutherland Springs, Texas Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 The FBI pictured at the scene of the mass shooting which has claimed 26 lives Credit: AP:Associated Press

Aerial footage of First Baptist Church in Texas following mass shooting

As well as the 23 killed inside the church two victims were gunned down outside the building and one died on the way to hospital.

Authorities say the ages of those killed range from five to 72.

Among about 20 injured was a five-year-old boy shot four times. He is understood to be fighting for his life after undergoing emergency surgery.

What we know so far

A mass shooting at First Baptist Church, in Sutherland Springs, Texas, has seen 26 people killed.

The killer has been named as Devin Kelley, a former member of the US Air Force.

Kelley burst into the church with a semi-automatic rifle shooting 23 with two more killed outside and another dying on the way to hospital.

The youngest victim was five and the oldest 72 - the pastor's 14-year-old daughter was also among those killed.

Kelley was later found dead inside his car.

Mr Willeford, who confronted Kelley, was helped by Johnnie Langendorff, who told KSAT TV that he was driving past the church at the time of the shooting.

He said the vigilante exchanged gunfire with the gunman, then asked to get in Langendorff's truck and the pair followed the fleeing killer.

Langendorff said the gunman eventually lost control of his vehicle and crashed. He said the other man walked up to the vehicle with his gun drawn and Kelley did not move.

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31 Heartbreaking.... Annabelle Renee Pomeroy had been attending her father's church when she was murdered Credit: Facebook

Families in tears at First Baptist Church after mass shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas

A source at the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives told ABC News that officials are searching his home for explosives.

Church Pastor Frank Pomeroy told ABC that his 14-year-old daughter Annabelle had been killed, describing her as "one very beautiful, special child".

Mr Pomeroy said he was in Oklahoma this morning on a rare weekend away from the church.

The other victims are all close friends of his, he said.

Gov. Greg Abbott confirmed 26 people were killed in the attack on the Texas church, the deadliest mass shooting in the state's history.

Six helicopters flew to the scene to take away victims, which included the stand-in pastor and a mum-of-four who died alongside two of her daughters.

An eye-witness, who works at a petrol station across the road, told ABC: “We heard several shots and we all started running inside the store.

“It lasted about 15 seconds. I yelled, ‘Get down! Get inside’ and we all went into hiding.”

She said the gas station locked its doors, adding: "We have not reopened

“There were officers that were checking the wounded in here were asking them questions.”

31

IN THE MIDST OF DARKNESS, THERE IS LIGHT More than 100 people gathered after dark on a grassy street corner within sight of the church where the shooting occurred for a prayer vigil last night. Attendees, including Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, lit candles while some wept and others hugged. They could see the church sign lit up and emergency lights flashing. The vigil across the street from a gas station convenience store where law enforcement officials say the shooter stopped before the attack. Mike Gonzales, who does not attend the church but lives near says: "The people of this church are wonderful people." Gonzales added, "We're coming together to pray for them and show the world that now, in the midst of darkness, there is light."

31 Law enforcement officials stand next to a covered body at the scene Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 Emergency service personnel taking away wounded people on stretchers

31 Special agents from ATF's Houston Field Division, San Antonio Field Office are on the scene along with the FBI Credit: AP:Associated Press

Another local Carrie Matula told MSNBC she heard gunfire and went to see what was going on.

She said: "It's a small Baptist church. It’s an older building.

"I don’t know that they would have security cameras or anything high tech like that. And I know they didn’t have security in the parking lot.

"I never thought it would happen here.

"This is something that happens in a big city.

"I would never have thought this would have taken place here. It's just too tight a community. It doesn’t make sense."

Facebook live outside Sutherland Springs Church in Texas following mass shooting

31 Forensic teams arrive to investigate the horrific crime Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 A mass casualty evacuation ambulance near the scene of a mass shooting Credit: EPA

Emergency services at the scene of Texas Sutherland Springs Church shooting

31 Wilson County Sheriff Joe Tackitt speaks at a press conference after the shooting Credit: AFP or licensors

Alena Berlanga who lives about 10 minutes away from Sutherland Springs in Floresville and was monitoring the chaos on a police scanner and in Facebook community groups, said that everyone knows everyone in the sparsely populated county.

She said: "This is horrific for our tiny little tight-knit town.

"Everybody's going to be affected and everybody knows someone who's affected."

Police official Albert Gamez Jr confirmed the death toll to CBS News.

Mr Gomez Jr said: "The details are kind of sketchy but what I know right now, what they're telling me, like 27 deceased and over 20, 25 injured.

"They're talking about the shooter is dead also.”

31 A candle lit vigil has been held to the victims of the massacre Credit: Reuters

31 Carrie Matula embraces a woman after one of America's worst mass shootings unfolded in the tranquil town Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 A woman prays with a man near the scene of the mass murder Credit: AP:Associated Press

31 FBI officials arrive at the scene of America's latest gun massacre Credit: Reuters

Donald Trump tweeted from Japan, where he is on a state visit.

He said: "May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene.

"I am monitoring the situation from Japan."

He later added: "This act of evil occurred as the victims and their families were in their place of sacred worship.

"Through the tears and through the sadness we stand strong, oh so strong."

First Lady Melania Trump also tweeted: "Our hearts are with Texas."

Texas Governor Greg Abbott added: “Our prayers are with all who were harmed by this evil act.

"Our thanks to law enforcement for their response.”

UK Prime Minister Theresa May also offered her condolences on behalf of the people of Britain and Northern Ireland.

She tweeted: "Tragic loss of life in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected by this terrible shooting."

May God be w/ the people of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The FBI & law enforcement are on the scene. I am monitoring the situation from Japan. — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) November 5, 2017

Our hearts are with #Texas — Melania Trump (@FLOTUS) November 5, 2017

PM: Tragic loss of life in Sutherland Springs, Texas. Thoughts and prayers with all those affected by this terrible shooting. — UK Prime Minister (@10DowningStreet) November 5, 2017

State Sen Judith Zaffirini, a Laredo Democrat whose district includes Sutherland Springs, said:"We're shocked. Shocked and dismayed.

"It's especially shocking when it's such a small, serene area. These rural areas, they are so beautiful and so loving."

The First Baptist Church is a white-painted, one-story structure with a small steeple and a single front door.

On Sunday, the Lone Star flag of Texas was flying alongside the US flag and a third, unidentified banner.

Inside there is a small raised platform from which members sing worship songs to guitar music and the pastor delivers a weekly sermon, according to videos posted on YouTube.

In one of the clips, a few dozen people, including young children, can be seen sitting in the wooden pews.

Piers Morgan slams gun rights advocate John R Lott as talking 'complete nonsense' about guns and Texas church shooting

31 A damaged road sign is strewn in the road in the wake of the fleeing gunman Credit: Reuters

Texas gunman storms San Antonio church and opens fire as up to 15 'feared dead'

In a separate incident last night a three-year-old boy was shot dead while he was riding in the backseat of his family's vehicle in San Antonio.

Police say the child was shot around 11.30pm near the intersection of New Laredo Highway and Briggs Avenue.

The massacre is the latest in a rash of mass shootings that have plagued the United States in recent years, stirring a national debate over whether easy access to firearms was contributing to the trend.

It comes just over a month after the world was rocked by the mass shooting in Las Vegas where 59 were killed and more than 500 wounded after gun maniac Stephen Paddock opened fire from a hotel balcony.

And it came just over two years after a white supremacist, Dylann Roof, entered a historically black church in Charleston, South Carolina, and shot nine people dead.

The United States suffers gun massacres that are unparalleled in the Western world, or indeed any other developed country.

The Boston Globe newspaper has calculated there have been 307 mass shootings - defined by those with four or more victims- in the United States this year alone.

31 This graph illustrates how gun massacres have rocketed in recent years in the US

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