Police Identify Woman Shot Dead Outside Kent Pub on Valentine's Day

Lisa Smith, 43, from Slough, was fatally shot in Knockholt; police are searching for the suspected killer.

Kent Police have confirmed the identity of the woman who was shot dead outside The Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt on Valentine's Day.

Lisa Smith, 43, from Slough, was killed shortly after 7 PM on Friday evening.

In connection with the incident, authorities believe the suspected shooter may have fallen from the Queen Elizabeth II bridge, which connects Dartford with Essex over the River Thames, following the incident.

Police recovered a car and a firearm near the bridge, and witnesses reported seeing a man on the wrong side of the safety barrier.

Investigations are currently underway with a focus on searching the river for the unidentified male suspect.

Authorities have not confirmed whether the firearm involved in the incident was legally owned.

The landlady of The Three Horseshoes, Michelle Thomas, recounted the chaos as patrons reacted to the shooting.

She stated that she heard two loud bangs, which she initially believed were fireworks, shortly before the dinner service was set to commence.

At the time of the shooting, approximately 30 diners were inside the pub while an additional 20 were in the bar area.

Mrs. Thomas emphasized that people were just beginning to take their seats when the incident occurred.

She noted the immediate panic among customers, who were reportedly screaming, shouting, and crying as the situation unfolded.

An off-duty firearms officer was able to intervene and help manage the chaos at the scene.

According to police statements, the suspect was known to Ms. Smith, though there had been no previous police contact with either the victim or the alleged shooter.