One of nine bikers killed at a shootout outside a Texas restaurant was a Vietnam veteran and Purple Heart recipient whose family members dispute police claims he was in a criminal group.

Texas police say a weekend shootout involving rival motorcycle gangs that killed nine people and injured 18 apparently began with a parking dispute and someone running over a gang member’s foot.

About 170 motorcycle gang members charged with engaging in organised crime are each being held on a million-dollar bond (€883,000) in the wake of a deadly shootout in Texas, and authorities say capital murder charges are expected.

A Texas city was under near-lockdown today after a shoot-out between rival motorcycle gangs at a restaurant left nine bikers dead.