This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/norfolk/7070362.stm
The article has changed 10 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
| Version 2 | Version 3 |
|---|---|
| Prince quizzed over bird shooting | Prince quizzed over bird shooting |
| (9 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. | |
| 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 member of the public reported the shooting on Wednesday of last week. | A member of the public reported the shooting 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. | |
| 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' | |
| The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds described the hen harrier as the "most persecuted bird in England". | |
| A spokesman 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. | |
| "We are involved in this investigation advising on ornithological issues". |