The suspect in a fatal shooting on Valentine’s Day called friends after the murder to say “she’s dead”, it has emerged.

Family friend Leslie Thompson told the BBC that accused Edvard Stockings had called him less than two hours after the shooting of Lisa Smith outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Knockholt.

It is reported that during the call at around 8.50pm, Mr Stockings said: “She’s dead, I love you. I’ll see you on the other side.”

Mr Thompson, who had known Mr Stockings for more than 30 years, believed his friend was having a breakdown.

It is reported Mr Stockings had said to his friend: “I can’t live, we’ve all gone together” while stating that “armed police will probably shoot me”.

On the night of the shooting, officers attended the Dartford Crossing just before midnight where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, along with a gun.

The force said it was not ruling out the possibility Mr Stockings had gone into the water, after call handlers received reports of a man on the wrong side of the safety barrier. The search is still ongoing.

Mr Thompson told the BBC: "They were both the life and soul of the party. I'm baffled [over what has happened].”

Both Ms Smith and Mr Stockings are understood to have local connections and belong to the Traveller community.

Many floral tributes have been left outside the pub, with one saying: “Dear Lisa, rest in peace.”

Tributes have been paid to the grandmother, including from her son Teejay who said: "My dear old mum, never be another to walk in her shoes, the best."

Another tribute said: "Our love and prayers are with your family, especially your boys and your beautiful granddaughter."