Knockholt pub landlady says victim was enjoying drink moments before she died

The landlady of a village pub where a woman was shot dead on Valentine’s Day has told how the victim was enjoying a drink moments earlier.

The woman, in her 40s, was gunned down in the car park outside The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, in Kent.

The victim, believed to be a mother of two, was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday evening.

Police say the gunman, understood to be known to the victim, drove off and a car and firearm were later found at the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Dartford, around 14 miles from the pub.

It was later reported that a man had been spotted on the wrong side of the barrier on Friday night, and officers believe he may have entered the water.

The landlady of a village pub where a woman was shot dead on Valentine’s Day has told how the victim was enjoying a drink moments earlier.

The woman, in her 40s, was gunned down in the car park outside The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, in Kent.

The victim, believed to be a mother of two, was pronounced dead at the scene on Friday evening.

Police say the gunman, understood to be known to the victim, drove off and a car and firearm were later found at the Queen Elizabeth II bridge in Dartford, around 14 miles from the pub.

It was later reported that a man had been spotted on the wrong side of the barrier on Friday night, and officers believe he may have entered the water.

Knockholt Parish councillor Steve Maines was dining at the pub when the woman was shot.

He said: “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.”

Thivi Selva, who was working at neighbouring Knockholt Village Store, said: “I heard bangs and people crying outside – 20 minutes later police came and blocked the road.”

Rev Tim Edwards, vicar of St Katharine’s Church in the village, said: “I think the main thing is shock.

“Shock is the word I’ve heard repeatedly from people that sense of disbelief. It’s not what you would expect in a village like this.”

It is believed that neither the suspect nor victim were from Kent, but had local connections.

Floral tributes and a teddy bear have been left outside the pub.

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.”

He added: “Specialist officers continue to work with the families of both parties involved to support them following this tragic incident.”