On Valentine’s Day, a shocking incident unfolded in the quiet village of Knockholt, near Sevenoaks in Kent, leaving the community in stunned silence. At around 7 p.m. on Friday, February 14, police were called to The Three Horseshoes pub following reports of a disturbance. The evening, which should have been a time for love and celebration, turned tragic when a woman in her 40s was seriously injured in a reported shooting. The suspect, a man believed to be known to the victim, fled the scene and remains at large, prompting a widespread manhunt. As the situation continues to unfold, police and forensic teams have been working tirelessly to piece together the events of that fateful night and locate the missing suspect.
Pictures from the scene painted a grim picture, with forensic experts in white overalls meticulously examining the pub’s car park. Plastic evidence bags were seen being carried by investigators, and a white forensic screen was erected in the parking area to shield the public from the sensitive work being carried out. A blue tarpaulin was also placed next to a dark-colored car parked near the entrance of the car park, suggesting that the vehicle may have been part of the investigation. These images, captured on Friday night, provided a chilling glimpse into the aftermath of the incident and highlighted the thoroughness of the ongoing forensic examination.
In a statement released by Kent Police, officers confirmed that they attended the scene alongside the South East Coast Ambulance Service. The injured woman, whose condition remains serious, was rushed to a medical facility for treatment. The suspect, described as a man known to the victim, fled the area and has yet to be apprehended. Police have launched an extensive investigation, including efforts to locate the suspect and determine the full circumstances surrounding the shooting. While no further updates on the woman’s condition have been provided, witnesses have corroborated that the incident involved a shooting, adding a harrowing layer to the already disturbing details.
The village of Knockholt, typically a peaceful and close-knit community, has been left reeling in the wake of this violent incident. Police cordons were established around The Three Horseshoes pub, located in the heart of the village, as officers worked to secure the area and gather evidence. The pub, a beloved local landmark, announced that it would remain closed on Saturday, February 15, out of respect for the tragic events. In a poignant statement, the pub expressed regret for any inconvenience caused and shared hopes of resuming normal service on Sunday. The closure served as a somber reminder of the gravity of the situation and the impact it has had on the local community.
As the investigation continues, residents of Knockholt and neighboring areas have been left grappling with the unsettling reality of the events that transpired. The normally quiet village, situated about five miles northwest of Sevenoaks, is not typically associated with such incidents, making the shooting all the more shocking. While police have not released further details about the suspect or the incident, the fact that the man is believed to be known to the victim has raised questions about the nature of their relationship and the possible motivations behind the attack. For now, the community remains on edge, awaiting updates as the manhunt intensifies.
In the aftermath of this tragic incident, the focus remains on supporting the injured woman, securing justice, and ensuring the safety of the community. The police have urged anyone with information to come forward, as even the smallest detail could prove crucial in locating the suspect and uncovering the truth. Meanwhile, The Three Horseshoes pub, a central gathering place for the village, has become a symbol of both tragedy and resilience. As the village looks to the future, the hope is that it can heal and return to its peaceful way of life, even as the events of Valentine’s Day 2023 leave an indelible mark on the community.
