Police have found a gun as they hunt for Valentine’s Day killer as RNLI lifeboats take part in the search after woman was gunned down outside pub.
A woman in her 40s died from gunshot wounds after an attack outside a Three Horseshoes pub in Main Road, Knockholt on Valentine’s Day.
Kent Police and paramedics rushed to the scene at around 7.02pm where the woman had suffered injuries ‘consistent with gunshot wounds’.
The victim was declared deceased at the scene. The force confirmed her family have been informed.
A murder investigation has been initiated by the police as they try to locate the perpetrator. According to the authorities, the suspect was acquainted with the victim, and helicopters have been deployed to search the vicinity.
Police were also called near the Dartford Crossing over the River Thames – 17 miles from Knockholt.
A vehicle linked to the incident was recovered along with a firearm was recovered at the location, the force have said.
It is understood a Gravesend RNLI Lifeboat was tasked with searching the area by the HM Coastguard at around 10.25pm.
Locals have been left shocked as a police cordon remains in place in the heart of the quiet village.
‘I heard three loud bangs and a bit of commotion. I heard the man ran towards Halstead after,’ the local said.
Zack Warne, 19, added: ‘It is shocking, this is Knockholt, not south London. The helicopter was up all night.’
82-year-old, Joyce Betts, who also lives nearby, said: ‘My granddaughter called me and said ‘make sure your windows and doors are locked’.
‘I could see lights outside but I couldn’t tell what was going on it was coming through that someone had been shot.
‘I thought oh my God that’s all we need in our sleepy little village.’
Eye-witness Ray Picot, aged 70, recounted the event, stating, “I heard loud sounds just past 7 pm. It sounded like gunshots. Initially, I thought it might be a car accident and I dreaded the idea of yet another one.”
‘The helicopter was buzzing around for hours. I’ve lived here 30 years and it’s a real shock. It’s such a quiet area.’
One villager, who would only give her name as Julie, said armed police swooped on the scene.
She said: ‘My brother in law and sister in law were in the pub for valentines dinner.
He continued, “They were kept inside. I was in constant communication with them via text, ensuring their safety. The presence of armed police officers at the pub was prominent. Upon instructions to return home, they were required to have their photograph taken before being escorted back by the police.”
‘It is scary, it was really distressing for them.’
Knockholt Parish councillor, Steve Maines, 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 blue Seat car in the pub car park was removed from the murder scene by police and taken away via loader lorry today.
The Three Horseshoes have since issued a statement: ‘Following the official press release of the tragic incident that happened on the premises last night – all of us at the Three Horseshoes want to send our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends.
‘We also want to send our support to anyone else in the local and surrounding community who have been impacted by this. Please be respectful of everyone involved at this difficult time, thank you.’
A force spokesperson said: ‘Kent Police was called at 7.02pm to a report of a disturbance at the Three Horseshoes pub in Main Road, Knockholt.
‘Officers attended the scene along with South East Coast Ambulance Service where a woman in her 40s had suffered serious injuries.
‘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.’
