Pippa Middleton unlikely to be charged in alleged Paris 'gun incident'

(Reuters)

PARIS – Pippa Middleton is unlikely to be investigated over an incident involving a toy gun over the weekend in Paris, French police have said.

The Duchess of Cambridge's sister and three male friends were enjoying a Sunday drive in an open convertible when the driver pointed what appeared to be a semi-automatic pistol at a photographer in broad daylight.

The incident, dubbed "gungate" by the British tabloids, was photographed and caused a stir considering the recent gun violence in France.

French police say they are aware of the photographs but said no complaint had been made. The police say they are continuing to look at the matter, but confirm they will not be talking to Middleton.

Middleton, 27, was in Paris to attend a fancy-dress birthday party for her friend, Viscount Arthur de Soultrait, Saturday night.

One of the photographers following the British beauty Sunday told a French tabloid that the gun was fake.

"We had been following Pippa since the beginning of the day. She was hyper cool, we even spoke with her and her friends. It was a fine day, and the atmosphere was truly very relaxed," the paparazzo told Gala magazine.

"When the driver pulled out his plastic pistol, it was for a joke, to amuse. A few minutes later, when the vehicle had parked, I was able to touch the plastic weapon which the driver showed to me. It was possible to see that it was the kind of thing you would find in a toy shop," he added.

St James' Palace would not comment on the actions of Prince William's sister-in-law. There has been no comment from the Middleton family.

The incident comes just weeks after seven people were murdered in Toulouse and four shot dead in Paris.