POLICE have said no one can be proven to have been criminally responsible for the death of an Isle of Wight White Tailed Sea Eagle in Dorset.

Dorset Police said it has completed an investigation into the death of the eagle which was found on private land in January.

The matter was initially investigated by Dorset Police alongside Natural England and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) with a review of the investigation carried out to "ensure no investigative opportunities had been missed". 

A post-mortem concluded the bird died as a result of consuming rodenticides, which is a type of pesticide. 

The matter remains under investigation by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE).

Assistant Chief Constable Rachel Farrell said: “As part of the reinvestigation, further lines of enquiry were identified and we engaged with the wildlife crime lead from the CPS.

"However, following consultation with Natural England and the HSE, the review concluded that, although there was very high levels of rodenticides in the bird, there was insufficient evidence to prove an offence of wilful poisoning by an individual – so no one person can be proven to have been criminally responsible for the bird’s death.

"Therefore, in line with national guidance, the matter remains under investigation by HSE."

“Evidence from a post-mortem examination concluded the White Tailed Sea Eagle died as a result of consuming those rodenticides, which is a type of pesticide regulated by the HSE.

“Wildlife crime remains a key objective of the recently expanded Dorset Police Rural Crime Team, who will continue to work in partnership with stakeholders to investigate criminal offences and bring offenders brought to justice.”

An HSE spokesperson said: “Further to the enquires made to date, we are making enquiries to check that rodenticides are being stored, managed and used in accordance with the manufacturers’ instructions and any relevant restrictions.”