Police are offering a £1,000 reward for information that can help them convict the person who shot an Osprey chick.

The rare bird of prey, which was born in Sweden, was found at Holmes Hill, Golden Cross, near Hailsham, with a gunshot wound to its wing.

It was treated by a veterinary specialist over the weekend but died during an operation.

Police are now working with RSPB in offering a £1,000 reward to bring those responsible to justice.

Mark Thomas, of the RSPB said: "The shooting and subsequent death of this bird is sickening."

He said: “It had only been alive for a few months and had made an amazing North Sea crossing before being shot.

"Not only is it an amazing species but the fact it was born in Sweden and was passing through the UK on migration makes the killing a national disgrace".

Chief Inspector Martin Sims, of Sussex Police, said: "The protection offered to birds of prey by the law is clear and the police will enforce that legislation.

"Ospreys are fully protected at all times across Europe and anyone convicted of this offence in the UK could face up to six months in prison.

"Together with the RSPB we are jointly offering a reward of £1,000 for information leading to a conviction and we urge anyone with information to come forward as soon as possible, in the strictest of confidence."

The bird was one of three chicks that hatched in the Färnebofjärden National Park, in Sweden in June.

Sussex Police said there were 12 reported offences, such as shooting, trapping and poisoning, against birds of prey in Sussex in 2009.

Anyone with information should call Sussex Police on 08456070999.