A murder investigation is under way after a woman in her 40s was shot dead at a pub in Kent on Valentine’s Day.

Kent Police were called to a reported disturbance at The Three Horseshoes in the village of Knockholt near Sevenoaks just after 7pm on Friday.

In a statement, the force said officers found a woman who “had suffered injuries consistent with gunshot wounds”.

“She was declared deceased at the scene and a murder investigation is under way. Her next of kin has been informed.”

A male suspect, who is thought to be known to the victim, fled the scene and attempts to locate him are continuing.

Officers discovered a vehicle linked to the incident and a firearm at the Dartford Crossing in Kent.

Pictures from the scene of the shooting on Friday night showed forensic teams in white overalls examining an area of the car park, next to the pub, and carrying plastic evidence bags.

A white forensic screen was placed inside the parking area while a blue tarpaulin was put up next to a blue Seat parked at the entrance to the car park.

The passenger side window of the vehicle had smashed and shattered glass could be seen around the car.

What appears to be bullet casings have also reportedly been spotted on the ground, where numbered yellow evidence markers are also visible.

Police have also established cordons around the pub in the centre of the village of Knockholt, around five miles (8km) northwest of Sevenoaks.

A statement from The Three Horseshoes pub said: “The Three Horseshoes will be CLOSED today Saturday 15th February following a tragic incident outside the pub last night, sorry for any inconvenience.

“Hopefully we will be open on Sunday as usual x thank you.”

Around 100 people have been evacuated after a fire broke out at a luxury London hotel.

Twenty fire engines and around 125 firefighters were on the scene at the Chiltern Firehouse, near Baker Street.

London Fire Brigade said it was called out at 2.52pm on Friday – with the cause so far unknown.

The blaze at the hotel was under control on Friday night but was still ongoing at a building next door.

The £760-a-night venue was due to host Netflix’s BAFTA Awards party on Sunday.

The Firehouse’s bar and restaurant are popular with British stars, as well as celebrities visiting the capital.

Taylor Swift chose it for a night out after finishing her Wembley shows last year, while the likes of Tom Cruise and Kate Moss have also been spotted over the years.

However, it’s now likely to remain shut for some time and need extensive repairs.

Speaking on Friday evening, one firefighter said: “It’s completely under control in there now, but the hotel is probably going to need a large refurbishment.”

An earlier brigade statement said the fire was in “ducting which leads from the ground floor to the roof” and that a “plant room at roof level is also alight”.

A cordon preventing access from nearby streets was in place around the hotel, located in the upmarket Marylebone area of central London.

Owner Andre Balazs, who also has Hollywood’s Chateau Marmont in his portfolio, confirmed no one had been hurt and thanked firefighters.

“We know in fact one of those who rushed to the Chiltern Firehouse this evening had been stationed in the building when it was a fire station 30 years ago,” he said in a statement.

“I am truly grateful to all of them as I am sure that this is not the Valentine’s Day evening they had in mind.”

He said the cause was under investigation and the venue would be closed until further notice.

A British couple who have been detained in Iran have been named by their family as Craig and Lindsay Foreman.

The family said they are “significantly concerned” by the “distressing situation”.

According to Ms Foreman’s social media, the couple were on a motorbiking trip across the globe to Australia as part of a positive psychology mission.

On 30 December, she posted about how they were about to face “one of the most challenging” parts of their trip, Iran and Pakistan.

The post reads: “Despite the advice of friends, family, and the FCDO (which strongly advises against travel to Iran for British nationals), we’ve chosen to keep moving forward.

“Why? Because we believe that, no matter where you are in the world, most people are good, kind humans striving for a meaningful life.

“Yes, we’re aware of the risks. But we also know the rewards of meeting incredible people, hearing their stories, and seeing the breathtaking landscapes of these regions could far outweigh the fear.”

In a statement, the couple’s family expressed their concern and said they were engaging with the UK government.

“We would like to take this opportunity to address the distressing situation concerning Craig and Lindsay Foreman who are currently being detained in Kerman, Iran,” they said.

“This unexpected turn of events has caused significant concern for our entire family, and we are deeply focused on ensuring their safety and well-being during this trying time.

“We are actively engaging with the British government and relevant authorities, working diligently to navigate the complexities of this matter. The family are united in our determination to secure their safe return.

“We truly appreciate the outpouring of support from friends, family, and the community, which has provided us with strength and encouragement as we face this ordeal.”

They added: “Thank you for your understanding, compassion, and continued support.”

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A Foreign Office spokesperson earlier said: “We are providing consular assistance to two British nationals detained in Iran and are in contact with the local authorities.”

Iranian state media said on Wednesday that a man and woman were in custody in Iran’s southeastern city of Kerman on security-related charges.

The Foreign Office warns that people are at risk of “arrest, detention and a death sentence” if they travel to Iran.

Iran has previously arrested and held British citizens for extended periods of time.

Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori, who are dual British-Iranian citizens, were released in March 2022 after years held captive in Iran.