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No charge over hen harrier deaths No charges against Prince Harry
(about 2 hours later)
No one is to face charges over the alleged shooting of two rare birds of prey on one of the Queen's Estates, the Crown Prosecution Service has said. Prince Harry will not face charges in connection with the alleged shooting of two protected hen harriers on the royal family's estate in Norfolk.
An investigation began after the deaths of the hen harriers on the Sandringham Estate, Norfolk, on 24 October. Witnesses say the birds were shot dead on the edge of the Sandringham estate.
A royal spokesman said police spoke to Prince Harry and a friend but they had no knowledge of the incident. Police officers identified three suspects - Prince Harry, William van Cutsem and David Clarke, a gamekeeper.
Norfolk Police, who interviewed three people, would not say if the prince was one of those questioned. All three have denied any involvement and the Crown Prosecution Service says there is not enough evidence to bring the case to court.
An investigation began after the deaths of the hen harriers on the Sandringham Estate on 24 October.
A royal spokesman confirmed police spoke to Prince Harry and a friend but they had no knowledge of the incident.
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.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.""Unfortunately, they had no knowledge of the alleged incident."
Bodies not foundBodies not found
Hen harriers are extremely rare with 749 nesting pairs in the UK.Hen harriers are extremely rare with 749 nesting pairs in the UK.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds had said it would assist with the inquiry if needed. The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds say they are disappointed with the outcome and described the shooting of hen harriers as an extremely serious crime.
They said a warden monitoring the harriers saw the birds being hit and heard a shot but did not see the shooter.They said a warden monitoring the harriers saw the birds being hit and heard a shot but did not see the shooter.
However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said:"The bodies of the hen harriers have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence." However, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said: "The bodies of the hen harriers have not been found and there is no forensic or ballistic evidence."
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."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."