As a lengthy investigation concludes, Herts police have confirmed there will be "no prosecution" over Peregrine Falcon eggs being damaged at St Albans Cathedral.
Livestream viewers tuning in on April 7, 2025, saw a devastating incident where an individual allegedly stepped on eggs laid by the birds of prey mating atop the Abbey.
Footage saw an individual, who has not been identified, walking onto the clutch and destroying all three eggs.
In an update published more than a year later, on April 15, 2026, the force said their enquiries into the incident have now concluded.
The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed no prosecution will follow.
Throughout the process, St Albans Cathedral cooperated with the police and wildlife partners, and measures introduced following the incident remain in place to support the safety and wellbeing of the Peregrines.
The damage cast a shadow on an otherwise brilliant breeding season for the beloved Peregrine pair, with Very Revd Jo Kelly Moore, the Dean of St Albans, calling it "desperately sad".
Chloë Edwards, the director of nature recovery at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust, told The Herts Advertiser the charity was "saddened" by the news.
The trust remained optimistic but believed the pair were "unlikely" to lay further eggs after the incident.
Against the odds, the falcons named Alban and Boudica welcomed a trio of tiny chicks that grew into impressive juveniles by the end of their stay at the Abbey.
The pair have returned this year and laid a record-breaking four eggs during the breeding season.
Herts police have been approached for further information.
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