The Queen escaped an assassination attempt nearly forty years ago in Australia.

The Queen and Prince Philip were travelling on the Royal train when it hit a log that had been placed on the track.  The train should have derailed but as it was not travelling at full speed the log lodged under the front wheels while the train continued to move forward.

The Royal party was on its way from Sydney to Orange in New South Wales when the incident occurred in the Blue Mountains, ninety three miles from Sydney.

An investigation took place but was hampered due to the veil of secrecy placed over the incident as it involved the Royal family.

Former detective superintendent Cliff McHardy has broken his silence on the alleged attempt to try and discover new evidence and the people involved.

Buckingham Palace said, "We wouldn't comment on an alleged plot that happened 39 years ago."

New South Wales police have declined to comment as they were still checking their records.  But they did say, "What I can say is that the alleged matter is no longer being actively investigated. However, if new information does come forward we will follow it up."