BREAKING NEWS: Suspect in Kent pub murder hunt may have entered the River Thames at the Dartford Crossing

A suspect in a murder hunt after a woman in her 40s was shot dead outside a pub on Valentine's Day, may have entered the River Thames, police have said.

Kent Police was called at 7.02pm on Friday 14 February 2025 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 injuries consistent with gunshot wounds.

A force spokesperson said: "She was declared deceased at the scene and a murder investigation is underway. Her next of kin has been informed.

"As part of enquiries, officers attended the Dartford Crossing where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, alongside a firearm.

"Enquiries are ongoing to identify and locate all persons potentially involved."

The suspect, a man, is believed to be known to her.

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."

Both the victim and the suspect are not from Kent but are known to have local connections.

Police know the identity of the woman, but have yet to release her name.

A pubgoer who was in venue at the time told Kent Online that a shooting had taken place, while police are continuing to investigate the circumstances of the "disturbance."

A police helicopter hovered overhead while police cordons were set up around the pub with a blue forensics tent.

Local residents were ushered back into their houses while forensics officers began their investigation.

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.

Pub-goer Emma expressed her shock on social media, stating: "Bloody crazy, we were there for 5 hours today for my Grandad's wake today. Poor woman!"

Following the incident, the pub issued a statement on social media, saying: "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. Thank you".