Catherine - Police Probing Australian Djs Over Duchess Hospital Prank

Police in Britain have launched an investigation into the phone prank which allegedly led to the suicide of a nurse at the hospital where pregnant royal Catherine, Duchess Of Cambridge was treated earlier this week (begs03Dec12).

Australian Djs Mel Greig and Michael Christian hit headlines when they duped staff at the King Edward VII Hospital in London by pretending to be members of Britain's royal family in a bid to access Catherine's private medical information.

A nurse who was targeted by the pranksters, Jacintha Saldanha, was found dead outside the medical centre on Friday (07Dec12) in a suspected suicide, and the 2Day Fm hosts were subsequently taken off air.

It has now emerged that police in Britain are probing Saldanha's death and have contacted Australian authorities as they look into the phone prank, which took place on Tuesday (04Dec12).

New South Wales Police Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas says, "I have to stress that the London Metropolitan Police have not actually asked for any action to be taken at this stage... They simply wanted to touch base, raise the issues, make us aware of them. It may be that they may wish to speak to someone at the (radio) station at a point down the track."

Reports suggest radio station staff could face prosecution if they are found to have recorded and broadcast a private conversation without permission.

The news comes after a spokesperson for the 2Day Fm radio station revealed the two Djs are undergoing counselling to help them in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Sandy Kaye, a public relations representative for the station, says, "We are very concerned for the well-being of our talent. They are very, very distressed. Mel is very vulnerable. She has been vulnerable in the past. She is in a very fragile stage and we are concerned for her. We are giving them professional care. They are receiving counselling."

The Duchess and her husband Prince William released a statement after hearing of the tragedy and sent their condolences to Saldanha's loved ones: "The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge are deeply saddened to learn of the death of Jacintha Saldanha. Their Royal Highnesses were looked after so wonderfully well during their time at the hospital and their thoughts and prayers are with Jacintha Saldanha her family, friends and colleagues."

The royal couple revealed its baby news to the world on Monday (03Dec12), shortly after the Duchess checked into the hospital.