A woman in her 40s has died after being shot at a pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day, triggering a major police investigation in the quiet village of Knockholt. Authorities have confirmed that the victim was inside the Three Horseshoes pub when the attack occurred, leaving the local community in shock.

Incident Details and Police Response

Kent Police received an emergency call at 7:02 p.m. on February 14, reporting a shooting at the Three Horseshoes pub. Officers arrived swiftly, accompanied by paramedics from the South East Coast Ambulance Service, but despite their best efforts, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities have since confirmed that the suspect was known to the victim, and they are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the fatal shooting. As part of the investigation, police recovered a vehicle linked to the incident near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, which spans the River Thames. A firearm was also found inside the vehicle, further intensifying the ongoing manhunt for the individual responsible.

A spokesperson for Kent Police issued a statement regarding the case:

“Officers attended the scene along with the South East Coast Ambulance Service, where a woman in her 40s was found with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. She was pronounced deceased at the scene, and a murder investigation is now underway. Her next of kin has been informed, and specialist officers are providing support to the family during this difficult time.”

The authorities also confirmed that the search for the suspect is ongoing, with officers working tirelessly to identify and locate all individuals potentially involved in the crime.

Local Residents React to the Tragic Shooting

The sudden act of violence has deeply unsettled residents of Knockholt, a typically peaceful village where violent crimes are rare. Many expressed disbelief that such a tragedy could unfold in their close-knit community.

Ray Picot, a local parish councillor, recalled hearing loud bangs around 7 p.m., describing the scene as deeply distressing.

“I heard a couple of loud bangs and then realized something terrible had happened. The people inside the pub were left in complete shock,” he said. “It’s a real tragedy. The Three Horseshoes is a popular pub, well-managed, and never has any trouble. For something like this to happen here is simply unimaginable.”

Another local official, councillor Steve Maines, was dining nearby when he became aware of the unfolding incident.

“We were having our Valentine’s Day meal when suddenly there was a massive commotion outside in the car park. Shortly after, we were told that we had to leave because someone had been shot,” he explained.

Chris Warner, a Knockholt resident, echoed the sentiment of disbelief, saying, “This is just so shocking. Knockholt is a quiet area where everybody knows everyone. You just don’t expect something like this to happen here.”

A woman living in the area also reported hearing several gunshots and a distressed voice.

“I heard about three or four loud bangs outside, followed by shouting from a woman,” she said.

Pub Temporarily Closes Following the Shooting

Following the tragic event, the management of the Three Horseshoes pub announced on social media that they would remain closed for the day on February 15 out of respect for the victim and the ongoing investigation.

“Due to the incident, we will remain closed today but hope to reopen as usual tomorrow,” the statement read.

Ongoing Police Investigation and Appeal for Information

Kent Police have assured the public that they are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the shooting and are appealing for anyone with relevant information to come forward. They are particularly interested in any witnesses who may have been in or around the pub at the time of the attack.

Authorities are also reviewing CCTV footage and conducting forensic examinations at the crime scene to piece together the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. They have urged local residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity that may assist in locating the suspect.

The police have not yet released specific details regarding the relationship between the suspect and the victim, but the fact that they were known to each other has raised questions about whether this was a targeted attack.

Community in Mourning

As news of the shooting spreads, the village of Knockholt remains in mourning. Residents have expressed their condolences to the victim’s family and are struggling to come to terms with the violent crime that has shattered their sense of security.

While Kent Police continue their investigation, the focus remains on ensuring justice for the victim and her loved ones. Officers are working around the clock to apprehend the suspect and bring them to justice.

For now, the quiet village of Knockholt grapples with the aftermath of a horrific tragedy—one that will be remembered for years to come.