No charges over royal bird shooting

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The Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said there was "insufficient evidence" to bring criminal proceedings following allegations that two rare hen harriers were shot dead on the Sandringham estate, near King's Lynn, Norfolk, on October 24.

Royal officials confirmed that Prince Harry and one of his friends were "in the area" at the time of the alleged incident but said the Prince had "no knowledge" of it.

The CPS said: "Norfolk Crown Prosecution Service has advised Norfolk Police there is insufficient evidence to prosecute anyone over the shooting of two hen harrier birds, a protected species, at Sandringham on October 24 2007."

The CPS added: "The bodies of the hen harriers have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence.

"Witnesses also heard unexplained shooting in the area before the three suspects said they were present at the scene, so other people cannot be ruled out. The three suspects, who were interviewed by police, all denied that the birds were killed by them."

CPS lawyer Andrew Baxter added: "I am satisfied the police investigation has been thorough and there are no other areas of investigation which can be pursued."

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said the shooting was reported by a conservation warden monitoring harriers. They said the warden saw the birds being hit and heard a shot but did not see the shooter.

Royal officials would not say if Prince Harry was one of the three people questioned.

Following the incident, a Clarence House spokesman said: "Because Prince Harry and a friend were both in the area at the time, the police have been in contact with them and asked them if they have any information that could help. Unfortunately, they had no knowledge of the alleged incident."