File on Burn's 'gorilla' coat goes to CPS

Police investigating Pete Burns’ coat today referred the matter to the Crown Prosecution Service.

Experts from the Natural History Museum have confirmed that the coat is not made from gorilla fur.

They say the fur originates from black and white colobus monkeys.

The importation of this fur has been illegal since 1975 and information will now be sought on when the coat was bought or imported.

A Herts police spokesperson said the matter would be referred to the Crown Prosecution Service for further advice.

The spokesperson said: “Following an examination, carried out by experts at the Natural History Museum in central London, it has been now confirmed that the coat taken into the Big Brother house by Pete Burns, is definitely not gorilla fur.

“The experts have confirmed that the fur originates from black and white colobus monkeys.

“The museum’s report also states that the coat was in a relatively poor condition and had been relined at some point in the past.

“Any offences under the Control of Trade in Endangered Species regulations around this type of animal would be around the illegal importation of this type of fur.

“Hertfordshire constabulary will now refer this matter to the Crown Prosecution Service for further advice.”