4:06 pm - February 24, 2025
A tragic incident unfolded on Valentine’s Day in the quiet village of Knockholt, Kent, as a woman in her 40s was fatally shot outside a local pub, leaving the community in shock and grief. The incident occurred just after 7 p.m. at The Three Horseshoes pub, a popular spot for villagers and visitors alike. Kent Police were swiftly called to the scene following reports of a disturbance, and upon arrival, officers found the woman with injuries consistent with gunshot wounds. Despite efforts to save her, she was pronounced dead at the scene. The police immediately launched a murder investigation and informed her next of kin, while efforts to locate the suspect, believed to be known to the victim, are ongoing.
The suspect, a male thought to be acquainted with the victim, fled the scene, prompting a widespread search operation. As part of their investigation, police discovered a vehicle linked to the incident and a firearm at the Dartford Crossing in Kent. This discovery has provided critical leads for officers as they work to piece together the events surrounding the shooting. The area around the pub was cordoned off, with forensic teams in white overalls seen examining the car park and collecting evidence in plastic bags. A white forensic screen was erected, and a blue tarpaulin was placed next to a blue Seat car at the entrance of the car park, where the passenger-side window had been shattered. Bullet casings were reportedly spotted on the ground, marked with yellow evidence markers.
Eyewitness accounts and local reactions have painted a vivid picture of the chaos and disbelief that gripped the village. John Webb, a local resident who was dining inside the pub at the time of the incident, recounted how he and other patrons were escorted out by police after learning of the shooting. Another local, Ray Picot, a parish councillor, described hearing two loud bangs shortly after 7 p.m., which he initially dismissed as a car accident. It wasn’t until later, when blue flashing lights appeared, that the gravity of the situation became clear. Vicky Hesketh, a villager who witnessed the aftermath, described seeing someone on the floor receiving CPR from paramedics. “It’s like a really typical, normal village,” she said. “Everyone knows everyone. It’s not something you expect to happen.”
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, with many struggling to come to terms with the violence that erupted in such a peaceful setting. Knockholt, described by Sky News correspondent Mollie Malone as a “leafy village,” is typically a place where residents enjoy quiet evenings and community gatherings. The fact that the shooting occurred on Valentine’s Day, a time often associated with love and celebration, has only added to the sense of tragedy. The village, usually bustling with life, is now a scene of mourning and disbelief.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, The Three Horseshoes pub released a statement announcing its closure on the following day, Saturday, February 15th. The pub expressed its regret for any inconvenience this might cause and hoped to reopen on Sunday as usual. The closure serves as a poignant reminder of the impact of the incident on the village’s daily life and rhythms. For now, the focus remains on supporting the victim’s family, assisting the police investigation, and helping the community heal.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to come forward. The discovery of the firearm and the vehicle at the Dartford Crossing suggests that the suspect may have planned his escape, but the police remain determined to bring him to justice. Meanwhile, the village of Knockholt is left to grapple with the aftermath of this heartbreaking event, mourning the loss of a life and striving to restore a sense of normalcy to their once-peaceful home.