The landlady of The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt has described the horrifying moment a woman was shot dead in the car park on Valentine’s Day.
‘I Thought They Were Fireworks’
Michelle Thomas, who runs the pub, said she was preparing for the evening’s Valentine’s dinner service when she heard two loud bangs.
“There was so much commotion – screaming, shouting, crying. People were outside, on their phones. We tried to get people inside the pub to console them. It was early on in the evening; people had only just started to sit down,” she recalled.
An off-duty firearms officer who was present at the scene quickly intervened, helping to control the situation. Ms Thomas praised his actions, calling him “amazing”.
Community in Shock
Around 30 people were at the pub for dinner, with another 20 in the bar, when the shooting happened.
Ms Thomas said the victim had visited the pub before – mostly in the summer – but was “not a regular”.
The pub reopened its doors on Sunday, but Ms Thomas said the community remains in “absolute shock” following the incident.
Murder Investigation Continues
Kent Police have confirmed that the woman, in her 40s, knew her attacker, though her identity has not yet been publicly released.
A vehicle linked to the investigation was later found on the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford, approximately 17 miles from the shooting scene.
Call handlers had also received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier at the bridge, raising concerns that the suspect may have entered the water.
Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, leading the investigation, said:
“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.”
Tributes Left at the Scene
Floral tributes have been left in the pub’s car park as locals come to pay their respects.
Anyone with information is urged to contact Kent Police on 101, quoting reference CAD 6487/14FEB.
Alternatively, they can report anonymously via Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.
