A woman died in a pub car park in Knockholt, Kent. Landlady reports screams and distress following the Valentine’s Day tragedy.
The victim was in her 40s and was at the pub when the shooting occurred in the car park. The landlady heard two loud bangs, initially thinking they were fireworks, but then realized something bad had happened.
People were screaming and shouting, and some were crying outside as the pub staff tried to console the patrons. About fifty people were at the pub, and an off-duty police officer controlled the situation.
The pub reopened on Sunday, but the community remains in shock. Police have not released the victim’s name, although she had visited the pub before, she was not a regular customer. Police are searching for the suspect, who may have fled via the Dartford Crossing.
Police said the suspect may be in the water near the Dartford Crossing. The suspect knew the victim and left his car and a gun at the Queen Elizabeth II bridge. People saw a man on the wrong side of the barrier.
Police are only seeking one suspect and think there is no more public risk. Officers are supporting the families after the tragic event. The suspect and victim were not from Kent, but they did have local connections.
A councilor was eating dinner when he heard a commotion outside and learned someone had been shot, forcing him to leave the pub. A local resident also heard bangs and shouting.