At around 10.15am on Monday 7 April, the three Peregrine eggs on the nest tray at St Albans Cathedral were destroyed. The live webcam was subsequently turned off.

Hertfordshire Constabulary said:

“We are aware of livestream footage circulating involving Peregrine Falcon eggs at St Albans Cathedral and we are working with partners at St Albans Cathedral and the National Wildlife Crime Unit to look into the incident. We are also in contact with Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust. Officers from the Rural Operational Support Team are speaking with a man to assist with their enquiries”.

Chloe Edwards, Director of Nature and Recovery at Herts and Middlesex Trust said,

"All of us at Herts and Middlesex Wildlife Trust are saddened by the news of the damage to the Peregrine Falcons’ eggs. Along with thousands of other wildlife spectators, we have been avidly following the breeding antics of the Peregrine Falcon pair, one of only five breeding pairs in Hertfordshire.

“Peregrine Falcons have full legal protection under the Wildlife & Countryside Act 1981 and we welcome the efforts of all those involved in thoroughly investigating this incident to uphold the law and safeguard these remarkable birds."

Dean Jo, St Albans Cathedral said,

“We are so desperately sad at the harm done to eggs in our Peregrine Falcon nest here in the tower at St Albans Cathedral. We are very grateful for the support offered at this time to resolve what has taken place. As a Cathedral community we are committed to our responsibility to care for God’s creation, and it has been our joy to welcome our Peregrine parents Alban and Boudica back to their home at the Cathedral for a fourth year. Our thanks to Herts and  Middlesex Wildlife Trust, and to the thousands of people watching our livecam who have continued to support our Peregrine parents and their chicks over that time.

Peregrine Falcons are protected by law as a Schedule 1 listed species of The Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is an offence to disturb the birds in any way.