Shocking CCTV footage has captured the moment three gunshots rang out, leaving a mother-of-two dead outside a pub on Valentine’s Day.
The victim, Lisa Smith, 43, was fatally shot outside The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent, on Friday, 14 February, sending shockwaves through the quiet village community.
Gunshots Caught on CCTV
Footage obtained by reveals three loud gunshots, followed by terrified screams from pubgoers who had been enjoying a Valentine’s dinner.
A woman can then be heard shouting: “He’s killed her.” Moments later, a fourth shot is heard before a vehicle is seen speeding away from the car park.
Murder-Suicide Theory
Kent Police believe the suspect, who was known to Lisa, fled the scene before abandoning his car and a firearm near the Dartford Crossing, around 17 miles away.
Witnesses later reported seeing a man on the wrong side of the bridge barrier, and investigators suspect he may have jumped into the River Thames in a suspected murder-suicide.
Tributes and Grief
Heartbroken family members of Lisa Smith left red balloons at the crime scene, as floral tributes and candles continued to pile up outside the pub.
Lisa, from Slough, Berkshire, was described as a devoted mother of two. Friends and locals expressed disbelief over the tragedy.
“It’s shocking. This just doesn’t happen here,” said Reverend Tim Edwards, vicar of St Katharine’s Church in Knockholt.
A local shop worker, Thivi Selva, recalled hearing gunshots and people crying outside before police arrived and blocked the road.
Pub Landlady Describes Horror Scene
Pub landlady Michelle Thomas said the shooting unfolded as 30 people were seated for dinner while another 20 were in the bar area.
“There was so much commotion – screaming, shouting, crying. People were outside on their phones. We tried to get people inside the pub,” she said.
An off-duty firearms officer was present and quickly worked to bring the situation under control.
Lisa had been to the pub before but was “not a regular,” Thomas added.
Forensic Investigations Continue
Forensic teams have been working day and night at the crime scene, while Kent Police continue to search the River Thames for the suspect’s body.
Detective Chief Inspector David Higham confirmed:
“Call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier at the Dartford Crossing. 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.”
Ongoing Investigation
Kent Police urge anyone with dashcam footage or information to come forward.
Anyone with details should contact Kent Police on 101, quoting incident reference 14/02/2025.
