Search teams are continuing their efforts at the Dartford Crossing following reports that the suspect wanted in connection with a fatal shooting in Knockholt may have entered the River Thames.

Police are actively investigating whether the man, who is believed to have fled after shooting a woman in her 40s outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt on Friday night, may have jumped from the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge.

Key Developments:

• A woman was shot dead outside the Three Horseshoes pub on Friday, 14 February.
• A vehicle linked to the suspect was later recovered on the Dartford Crossing, containing a firearm.
• Reports emerged of a man on the wrong side of the barrier on the bridge, sparking concerns he may have entered the water.
• A search operation involving specialist teams is now underway in the River Thames.

Police Investigation and Search Efforts

Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, the senior investigating officer, confirmed that police are not ruling out the possibility that the suspect may have jumped from the Dartford Crossing.

“Call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the barrier, and we are not ruling out the possibility that he may have entered the water,” he said.

We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public.

Search efforts involving police divers, marine units, and air support continue as authorities work to locate the individual.

What We Know So Far

• The Shooting: Police were called to reports of a disturbance outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt, Kent, at 7:02 pm on Friday, 14 February.
• The Victim: A woman in her 40s was found with gunshot wounds and was tragically pronounced dead at the scene.
• The Suspect: A man, believed to be known to the victim, fled the scene and is now the subject of an extensive search.
• The Vehicle: Later on Friday night, a vehicle connected to the suspect was found abandoned on the Dartford Crossing, with a firearm inside.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are continuing their investigation to piece together the events that led to the fatal shooting. They are appealing to anyone with information to come forward.

The victim’s family is being supported by specialist officers, and the police have assured the public that they are treating this as an isolated incident with no wider threat.

Anyone with information or footage related to the incident is urged to contact Kent Police on 101, quoting incident reference 14/02. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.

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