A murder investigation is underway after police confirmed a woman shot outside a pub died from her injuries.

A car and firearm linked to the killing at the Three Horseshoes in Knockholt, near Sevenoaks, was later recovered from the Dartford Crossing.

Police say they are not ruling out the possibility of the suspect entering the water below the bridge, and say they “do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public”.

Officers had been called to the pub shortly after 7pm on Friday night following reports of a “disturbance”.

They have since confirmed that a woman in her 40s suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said on Friday that a man believed to be known to the woman was being treated as a suspect and remained at large.

On Saturday afternoon they revealed that as part of their enquiries officers attended the Dartford Crossing, where a vehicle linked to the incident was recovered, alongside a firearm.

There had been reports that someone had fallen from the bridge, with a helicopter seen flying low over the water shortly before midnight in an apparent search.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, said: “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.

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

“Specialist officers continue to work with the families of both parties involved to support them following this tragic incident.”

The woman’s next of kin have been informed.

It is understood neither the suspect or victim were from Kent but had local connections to the area.

Customers had been enjoying Valentine’s Day meals in the Three Horseshoes when shots were fired outside.

The pub posted on its Facebook page to say it would be closed today “following a tragic incident outside the pub”

Following the police’s confirmation of the woman’s death, the pub posted: “Following… the tragic incident that happened on the premises - all of us at the Three Horseshoes want to send our sincere condolences to the victim’s family and friends.

“We also want to send our support to anyone else in the local and surrounding community who have been impacted by this. Please be respectful of everyone involved at this difficult time, thank you.”

A large police cordon remained in place throughout Saturday while detectives carried out their enquiries, with many forensics officers also at the scene.

Items understood to be bullet casings have been numbered with yellow markers next to a Seat Ateca, which is attracting the attention of forensics teams.

Knockholt parish councillor Ray Picot says he heard “a couple of loud bangs” just after 7pm on Friday.

“It’s a shock. We’ve never had anything like this. It’s a very busy pub - a great pub. It never has any trouble and is very well managed.

“I understand those inside the pub were ushered back to their houses by police as they were all in terrible shock. It sounded awful.”

Zack Warne, 19, was at his girlfriend’s house nearby when he heard a helicopter overhead.

He told KentOnline this morning: “It’s crazy. I don’t know what to say. I hope they catch him.

“I’m in a bit of shock. I’ve not seen it like this before and hopefully it doesn’t happen again. It’s so sad.”

Following the incident, both Main Road and Pound Lane were sealed off by officers, and a blue tent was seen erected near the pub.

Residents were seen being escorted into their homes.

One neighbour, who only wanted to give his name as David, has lived in the area since 1974.

The retired 86-year-old said he also heard a helicopter and was told there may have been three flying overhead at one point.

“I don’t recall anything like this happening in all those years,” he added.

Another resident of 50 years, Julie, told how she was watching TV when at about 7.15pm when she saw blue lights flash past her window.

“I feel sorry for the landlady,” she said. “It’s absolutely terrifying.

“It’s so sad. I hope they catch him.”

Additional reporting by Finn Macdiarmid