Woman killed in Valentine's Day pub shooting

In Kent, England, a woman in her 40s was shot and killed outside a country pub on Valentine's Day. Police are conducting a full-scale search for the suspect, and the case remains under investigation, with authorities working diligently to uncover all relevant details.

Kent Police stated that the shooting, which occurred just after 7 p.m. GMT on Friday outside "The Three Horseshoes" pub on the main road in the Knockholt area, is being investigated as a murder. Police confirmed that the victim suffered gunshot wounds and died at the scene, prompting a thorough forensic examination of the area.

Police subsequently discovered a vehicle containing a firearm on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which spans the River Thames near Dartford. Detective Chief Superintendent David Houcham stated that operators received a report about a man on the wrong side of the bridge, adding, "We cannot rule out the possibility that he may have fallen into the water," indicating a potential link between the suspect and the bridge incident.

Police emphasized that they have currently identified only one suspect and believe there is no ongoing risk to the public. "Specialist officers will continue to work with the families of those involved, providing them with support following this tragic incident." Police had earlier stated that the suspect is a man believed to be known to the victim and had left the scene after the shooting. On Saturday morning, Kent Police stated they were working to identify and locate "all persons who may be involved," expanding the scope of their investigation.

Local resident Chris Warner told the BBC: "It's a very quiet area, everyone knows each other. It's just shocking that something like this has happened." "The Three Horseshoes" pub issued a statement on its Facebook page, offering "sincere condolences to the victim's family and friends," and adding, "We would also like to offer our support to anyone in the local and surrounding community who has been affected by this incident. Please respect all those involved at this difficult time," urging sensitivity and understanding from the public.

Laura Trott, the Member of Parliament for Sevenoaks and Swanley, wrote on Facebook that she was "shocked by this incident." "I know our community will be shocked by this news, but this is an ongoing investigation and we must allow the police to do their job." Knockholt Parish Councillor Steve Meenagh told the BBC that he heard a "commotion" outside the scene and was told someone had been shot. "We were having Valentine's dinner and suddenly heard a massive commotion outside the car park. We were told someone had been shot so had to leave." Village resident Dorothy Wang said: "I heard about three or four loud bangs outside, and a woman screaming," highlighting the immediate impact on the local community.

Ray Picot, who has lived in the village for 30 years, said: "We looked out and saw the whole area cordoned off, with ambulances, police and flashing lights." A separate notice on the pub's Facebook page stated that it would be closed on Saturday due to "a tragic incident outside the pub last night." "The Three Horseshoes" pub is located about 5 miles (8 km) northwest of Sevenoaks. BBC reporter Daniel McLoughlin said on Saturday morning that the area around the pub had been cordoned off and police were on the scene to prevent access, ensuring the integrity of the crime scene for further investigation.