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Prince quizzed over bird shooting | Prince quizzed over bird shooting |
(40 minutes later) | |
Prince Harry has been interviewed by police about the shooting of protected birds, it has emerged. | Prince Harry has been interviewed by police about the shooting of protected birds, it has emerged. |
The prince has been questioned by police in Norfolk. | The prince has been questioned by police in Norfolk. |
They are investigating a report that two hen harriers were killed on the edge of the royal family's Sandringham estate last week. | They are investigating a report that two hen harriers were killed on the edge of the royal family's Sandringham estate last week. |
A spokeswoman for Clarence House says the prince and a friend were in the area at the time but have no knowledge of the incident. | A spokeswoman for Clarence House says the prince and a friend were in the area at the time but have no knowledge of the incident. |
A conservation worker with the government agency Natural England saw the two birds being shot on Wednesday of last week. | |
Police appeal | Police appeal |
It is understood that the interview with the prince was not held at a police station. | It is understood that the interview with the prince was not held at a police station. |
Only 15 hen harrier nesting sites are thought to exist in the UK | Only 15 hen harrier nesting sites are thought to exist in the UK |
The killing of a hen harrier is a crime which carries a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. | The killing of a hen harrier is a crime which carries a fine of up to £5,000 or six months in prison. |
There are only 20 pairs in England, although there are more elsewhere in the UK. | There are only 20 pairs in England, although there are more elsewhere in the UK. |
By preying on grouse, hen harriers have become targets for people trying to protect stocks of grouse on hunting estates. | By preying on grouse, hen harriers have become targets for people trying to protect stocks of grouse on hunting estates. |
Norfolk police say their inquiries are continuing and they are urging anyone with information to get in touch. | Norfolk police say their inquiries are continuing and they are urging anyone with information to get in touch. |
'Most persecuted' | 'Most persecuted' |
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds described the hen harrier as the "most persecuted bird in England". | The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds described the hen harrier as the "most persecuted bird in England". |
Spokesman Graham Madge said: "It is illegal killing that is keeping the population at a low level. The population should be ten times higher than it is. | |
"It is a matter of routine on some estates that these birds are shot. | "It is a matter of routine on some estates that these birds are shot. |
"We are involved in this investigation advising on ornithological issues". | "We are involved in this investigation advising on ornithological issues". |