Police think suspect in fatal Valentine's Day shooting of woman 'may have entered' River Thames
15 February 2025, 06:42 | Updated: 15 February 2025, 19:43
Police investigating the murder of a woman shot outside a pub in Kent say the suspect "may have entered the water" at the Dartford Crossing.
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Detectives were called to reports of a disturbance at the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt near Sevenoaks on Friday night.
Officers attended the scene along with South East Coast Ambulance Service where a woman in her 40s suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds while couples sat and enjoyed Valentine's Day meals.
She was declared dead at the scene.
A male suspect fled the scene and remains at large. Enquiries are ongoing to locate him.
Officers attended the Queen Elizabeth II bridge where a car, believed to be linked to the incident, was recovered. A gun was also found in the vehicle.
Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, said: "Call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier and we are not ruling out the possibility that he may have entered the water.
"We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public.
Specialist officers continue to work with the families of both parties involved to support them following this tragic incident."
Steve Maines, a parish councillor in Knockholt, told the BBC: "We were sitting having our Valentine's Day meal when all of a sudden we heard this huge commotion outside in the car park.
"We were told someone had been shot so we had to leave."
A statement from the Three Horseshoes pub said: "The Three Horseshoes will be CLOSED today Saturday 15th February following a tragic incident outside the pub last night, sorry for any inconvenience.
"Hopefully we will be open on Sunday as usual x thank you."
A police statement read: "Officers attended the scene along with South East Coast Ambulance Service where a woman in her 40s had suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.
"She was declared deceased at the scene and a murder investigation is under way.
"Her next of kin has been informed.
"As part of inquiries, officers attended the Dartford Crossing where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, alongside a firearm.
"Inquiries are ongoing to identify and locate all persons potentially involved."
Kent Police said efforts to find him and establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing.
A spokesman added: "The suspect, a man who is believed to be known to the victim, left the area and is currently outstanding.
"Enquiries to locate him and to establish the full circumstances are ongoing."
