Lisa Smith Obituary, Death, News – Fatal Shooting Outside Kent Pub on Valentine’s Day
Police Identify Woman Fatally Shot Outside Kent Pub as 43-Year-Old Lisa Smith from Slough
Lisa Smith, a 43-year-old woman from Slough, was tragically fatally shot outside the Three Horseshoes pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14, 2025. Authorities have confirmed her death, with police pronouncing her dead at the scene after they were called to the pub shortly after 7 p.m. Emergency services rushed to the location, but despite their efforts, Smith’s injuries proved fatal.
The shocking incident has stunned the community and raised questions about the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. Authorities are investigating a possible link between the suspect and Smith, confirming that the two were known to each other. At present, Kent police have stated that there is no threat to the wider public, as the search for the suspect remains concentrated on finding the individual believed to be responsible for the shooting.
The Incident: A Shocking Turn of Events on Valentine’s Day
On what should have been a peaceful evening at the Three Horseshoes pub, the atmosphere quickly turned chaotic as the sounds of gunshots interrupted the usual calm of the establishment. Michelle Thomas, the landlady, was preparing for the Valentine’s Day dinner rush when the fatal shots rang out. Initially mistaking the noises for fireworks, she soon realized that a much more sinister event had unfolded.
“I heard what I thought were fireworks, but then I realized it was gunshots,” Thomas told Sky News. As the gunshots rang out, pandemonium took over the pub. Screaming, shouting, and crying filled the air, as patrons rushed to understand what had just occurred. One off-duty firearms officer, present in the pub at the time, acted quickly to control the situation until the police arrived on the scene.
Thomas noted that although Smith had previously visited the pub, she was not a regular patron, which added to the mystery of the event. Local residents were left in disbelief, as the Three Horseshoes is widely known as a popular and well-managed pub with no history of violence.
The Investigation: Police Focus on the Suspect
The police quickly launched a full-scale investigation into the shooting, with a particular focus on identifying and locating the suspect. According to Detective Chief Inspector David Higham, the police are concentrating their efforts on one individual believed to be responsible for the crime. The suspect, who is known to Smith, was reportedly seen near the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge in Dartford, and authorities are investigating whether the suspect may have crossed to the wrong side of the bridge.
Higham assured the public that there was no immediate threat to the community, emphasizing that the investigation remained focused on one person. The police also discovered a car and a firearm linked to the suspect near the Dartford Crossing, adding weight to the investigation and helping to piece together the events surrounding the crime.
“The suspect and Smith were known to each other, and we are now focusing on locating this individual,” said Higham. As the investigation continues, authorities are exploring the possibility that the suspect may have fled into the River Thames after being spotted near the bridge. A search of the river has begun, with police divers and search teams being deployed in an effort to locate the suspect.
Local Community in Shock Over Unprecedented Violence
The fatal shooting has rocked the local community, as residents come to terms with the tragic loss of a life. The Three Horseshoes pub, a beloved establishment in Kent, has long been regarded as a safe and welcoming space for locals. The incident represents a shocking break from the pub’s previously peaceful atmosphere.
Local parish councillor Ray Picot expressed his disbelief at the event. “It’s a shock. We’ve never had anything like this before. This is a very busy pub, and it’s a great pub with no trouble. It’s very well-managed,” he said. The level of violence in the community, particularly around such a well-known establishment, has left many people shaken.
Picot also recounted how police responded quickly, ushering patrons out of the pub and ensuring their safety. The community, known for its peaceful nature, has struggled to process the traumatic events that unfolded so suddenly. For many, the sight of floral tributes and balloons left outside the pub has become a poignant reminder of the tragedy.
Witness Accounts: Shock and Horror as the Shooting Unfolds
Another local councillor, Steve Maines, was dining at the pub with others when the situation escalated. “We were sitting down for our Valentine’s Day meal when we heard a huge commotion outside in the car park. We were told someone had been shot, and we had to leave,” he recalled. Maines, like many others, was left stunned by the violence that had erupted so unexpectedly.
While the majority of the patrons were left in a state of shock, they were fortunate to have an off-duty officer present who helped maintain order until the police arrived. The immediate response from the officer, along with the quick intervention of law enforcement, helped ensure that the situation did not escalate further.
The Impact on Families: Supporting Loved Ones During Tragedy
As the investigation continues, authorities have assured the families of both the victim and the suspect that they are receiving support during this difficult time. Kent police are working closely with the families involved, offering emotional support and providing updates as they gather more information about the suspect and the events leading up to the tragic shooting.
The local community, while still reeling from the shock, has also come together in support of Lisa Smith’s family. Floral tributes, balloons, and heartfelt messages of condolence have been left outside the Three Horseshoes pub. One balloon, in particular, stood out, reading “Wonderful Mum,” a poignant tribute to Smith’s role as a mother and the love her family and friends shared for her.
As the investigation moves forward, there remains hope that justice will be served, and that the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death will be fully understood. The community is united in their desire for closure, and while the loss of Smith is deeply felt, there is a shared commitment to ensuring that the truth comes to light.
Police Assurances: A Focused Search for One Suspect
In a statement to the media, Detective Chief Inspector Higham reassured the public that the police were focusing on one individual and that there was no ongoing threat to the wider community. “We are currently only looking for one suspect and do not believe there to be an ongoing risk to the public,” Higham stated.
The investigation continues to unfold, with law enforcement working tirelessly to locate the suspect and gather crucial evidence. Despite the tragedy, the police have maintained a strong presence in the community, ensuring that public safety remains a top priority.
Conclusion: A Community Left in Shock, Awaiting Answers
The death of Lisa Smith on Valentine’s Day has left the Kent community in deep mourning. The tragic incident, which unfolded at the Three Horseshoes pub, has shattered the sense of peace and safety that the area is known for. As police continue their search for the suspect and the investigation progresses, the community remains united in their grief and support for those affected.
While the investigation is ongoing, the local residents are coming to terms with the reality of a senseless act of violence in their midst. The memory of Lisa Smith, honored through heartfelt tributes and messages of love, will remain in the hearts of those who knew her. The community, though shaken, will continue to hold each other up as they wait for justice to be served.
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