Manhunt Underway After Fatal Dartford Pub Shooting
Search teams are combing the Dartford Crossing and River Thames following reports the suspect may have jumped into the water after a fatal shooting in Knockholt.
Woman Shot Dead Outside Pub
- A woman in her 40s was shot dead outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt on the evening of Friday, 14 February.
- A vehicle linked to the suspect was found abandoned on the Dartford Crossing, containing a firearm.
- Witnesses reported seeing a man on the wrong side of the barrier on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge, sparking fears he entered the river.
- Police divers, marine units, and air support are now searching the River Thames for the suspect.
Police Confirm Ongoing Search and Investigation
Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, senior investigating officer, said police are “not ruling out the possibility” that the suspect jumped from the Dartford Crossing.
“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,” he said.
“We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public.”
Search efforts continue, involving specialist teams working hard to locate the individual.
What We Know So Far
- The Shooting: Police were called at 7:02 pm on 14 February to reports of a disturbance outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent.
- The Victim: The woman in her 40s was found with gunshot wounds and sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
- The Suspect: A man, believed to be known to the victim, fled the scene and is now the focus of an extensive search.
- The Vehicle: Later that night, police found a vehicle connected to the suspect abandoned on the Dartford Crossing, with a firearm inside.
Appeal for Information
Police continue piecing together the events that led to this tragic shooting. They appeal to anyone with information or footage to come forward.
The victim’s family is being supported by specialist officers, and authorities stress this is an isolated incident with no wider threat.
If you have any information, contact Kent Police on 101 quoting incident reference 14/02. Alternatively, you can report anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
