Probe after sparrowhawk found shot in Inverness

Police and RSPB Scotland are investigating the shooting of a bird of prey in the Highlands.

The sparrowhawk was found dead in the Cradlehall area of Inverness on 6 March and a post-mortem examination by a vet has since uncovered a shotgun pellet in its chest.

RSPB Scotland said the bird could have been shot elsewhere before later dying from an infection or starvation due to its injury.

Ian Thomson, the charity's head of investigations, said: "This bird was shot with a shotgun, resulting in a drawn-out and painful death."

Police Scotland has appealed for information.

Inverness Urban Sparrowhawk Project said the bird could be one it had been monitoring this year.

A spokesperson said: "We are absolutely devastated to hear that someone has shot one of these beautiful and majestic birds."

Sparrowhawks, like other wild birds, are legally protected.