Additional reporting by Gabriel Morris

The body of the suspect in a fatal shooting on Valentine’s Day has been seen in the water, police have confirmed.

Lisa Smith was killed after being shot outside The Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, on Friday evening.

A man, believed to be her partner Edvard Stockings, is said to have left the scene with police confident he later entered the River Thames.

Officers attended the Dartford Crossing just before midnight, where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, alongside a firearm.

Detectives have confirmed this morning they are continuing efforts to locate the body of the suspect who is believed to have fallen from the Queen Elizabeth Bridge into the water.

Today (February 20), investigating officer DCI David Higham told KentOnline the force has “good, reliable witness evidence” from motorists driving over the Dartford Crossing and CCTV.

He added: “It gives me total confidence the suspect has fallen into the river. We had a very large search parameter under the Dartford Crossing.

“At around midday on Saturday, we did have a sighting of a body. Unfortunately, we were unable to recover it before it became submerged again but I am confident from the description that it is the suspect for our offence.”

DCI Higham said search efforts are ongoing and the force has been assisted by the Metropolitan Police, London Fire Brigade and Coastguard.

Slough resident Ms Smith, 43, was in a relationship with Mr Stockings and they were both members of the travelling community.

DCI Higham confirmed she travelled to Kent to visit family and friends.

He said Ms Smith was in the pub when she came outside and was confronted by the offender and shot with an illegally-held handgun. Four gunshots were fired with two being fatal.

Police are continuing to make inquiries into where the firearm came from and whilst their investigation continues, a report will be prepared to assist the coroner.

DCI Higham added: “This murder has led to the senseless loss of a beloved daughter and mother and our thoughts remain with Lisa’s family.”

Speaking over the weekend, Three Horsehoes’ landlady Michelle Thomas explained how she was preparing for the Valentine’s Day dinner service when she heard two gunshots just after 7pm.

She said the Ms Smith had been to the pub before but “wasn’t a regular”.

Ms Thomas praised the work of an “amazing” off-duty firefighter who intervened.

She said 50 people were in the pub at the time.

Floral tributes appeared over the weekend, 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.”

Family friend Leslie Thompson told the BBC that suspect Mr Stockings had called him less than two hours after the shooting.

It is reported that during the call at around 8.50pm, he 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”.

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