Three quizzed over killing of birds on royal estate

POLICE investigating the reported illegal killing of two rare protected birds of prey on one of the Queen's estates are preparing a report for prosecutors after interviewing three people.

Royal officials said Prince Harry and one of his friends were "in the area" when two hen harriers were allegedly shot dead on the Sandringham estate near King's Lynn, Norfolk, late last Wednesday. But they said the prince had "no knowledge" of the alleged shooting and could not help police.

Officials would not say what the prince and his friend were doing at the time nor whether they were accompanied by Royal Protection Squad officers.

"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," Clarence House said. "Unfortunately, they had no knowledge of the alleged incident."

Neither Clarence House nor police would say whether one of the three people interviewed was the prince.