An investigation is underway after a garda was sent a pig's head in the post to his home.

The well-respected officer -- who is based in Clare -- received the severed animal's head via registered post at his house in recent days.

Garda colleagues and friends of the officer are said to be outraged that he was singled out by an individual in such a manner.

The shocked officer, who works in west Clare, is highly regarded by his colleagues and those in the community where he works.

It is unclear how the pig's head was packaged in the box when it was sent to the officer, but the item did not raise any suspicions with An Post workers when in transit.

The registered package had to be signed for when it was delivered to the garda's address. Gardai are now attempting to establish who sent the package to their colleague.

"It was a very personal attack. To have something like this sent to a person's home address is a despicable act," the source said.

"It was a full pig's head that was sent to him in a package. It was sent to his home and an incident like this would cause anyone distress -- not least a person who is just trying to do their job and make a living," the source added.

An informed source said the garda is highly thought of by those who know him and people he has met through the course of his duties.

The officer is heavily involved in community work in the region where he works in west Clare and is well regarded of by the community he serves.

"He is extremely approachable to all living there and is very good at his job. He did not deserve this whatsoever," the source said.