A Valentine’s Day pub shooting is now being treated as a murder investigation after the female victim tragically lost her life, according to police.
The shocking incident unfolded at the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt near Sevenoaks, Kent, on Friday evening around 7pm. The woman, who was in her 40s, was rushed to hospital but sadly succumbed to her injuries at the scene, Kent Police confirmed on Saturday.
Meanwhile, authorities are on the hunt for a male suspect believed to have been known to the victim. A vehicle and firearm were seized at the Dartford Crossing shortly after the shooting took place.
Kent Police are continuing their efforts to locate the suspect and establish the full circumstances surrounding the horrifying incident. A spokesperson stated that officers were called at 7.02pm on Friday evening following reports 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,” the spokesperson said. “She was declared deceased at the scene and a murder investigation is under way.”, reports the Mirror.
“The victim’s next of kin has been informed. As part of inquiries, officers attended the Dartford Crossing where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, alongside a firearm. Inquiries are ongoing to identify and locate all persons potentially involved.”
Steve Maines, a parish councillor in Knockholt, recounted the incident to the broadcaster: “We were sitting having our Valentine’s Day meal when all of a sudden we heard this huge commotion outside in the car park. We were told someone had been shot so we had to leave.”
The Three Horseshoes pub announced on its Facebook page that it will remain closed on Saturday due to a “tragic incident outside the pub last night”, with plans to re-open on Sunday.