The female marsh harrier was about three years old

Police officers have now started an investigation as the bird of prey is a protected species under the Wildlife and Countryside Act.

It was found on 3 July but the vet who saw the bird said it had been wounded days before.

"It was found to be injured from shotgun pellets having been shot at close range," a police spokesman said.

"The bird is believed to have been injured for three to four days.

"The bird was female, about three years old and likely to have been hunting for food for its young."