No arrests will be made over the Celebrity Big Brother racism row, police said on Friday. The Crown Prosecution Service has decided what occurred was 'clearly offensive' but 'not criminal'. The row sparked a diplomatic incident following the treatment of the C4 show's eventual winner Shilpa Shetty, by housemates Jade Goody, Danielle Lloyd and Jo O'Meara. Hertfordshire Police said: "Following consultation with the Crown Prosecution Service, it was felt that it wouldn't be in the public interest to effect arrests or to pursue footage through the courts." Detective Inspector Jeeta Aulak, who ran the inquiry, said: "During inquiries, we liaised with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) and the Commission for Racial Equality (CRE). This was to ensure that all issues were considered and responded to. "The CRE were happy with our response and investigation." Assistant Chief Constable Simon Parr added: "In the absence of complaint from any of the housemates regarding behaviour - including behaviour that was not broadcast - the CPS has concluded that whilst what occurred was clearly offensive, it was not criminal." Hertfordshire Police said Endemol and C4 had 'declined to co-operate' with their requests for unedited footage. The production house and the broadcaster told officers they would contest any application in court. The force said it was decided that it wasn't in the public interest to make arrests or pursue footage. Police wanted to speak to six housemates, but two declined. The statement said: "During the interviews, everybody stated that they had not witnessed or perceived they were victim to any racist behaviour."
