UPDATE: Cockburn rangers shot the sheep that had wandered onto the train line near Cockburn station (an earlier story suggested the sheep had been tranquilised).

A spokesman for the City of Cockburn said the sheep was humanely put down on site with a firearm.

This comes after trains on the Mandurah line were delayed this morning.

Police were at the scene for more than two hours attempting to catch the errant ewe.

Main Roads initially reported that the sheep had been tranquilised about 12.30pm near the Roe Highway exit.

However, pictures posted to social media reveal the sheep had been shot.

Camera Icon Pic Facebook/Perth have a whinge Credit: Supplied / Supplied

The City of Cockburn’s manager of recreation and safety Travis Moore said the city had attended to numerous requests about the wandering sheep over a 24 hour period.

“One male sheep was eventually located today and found running across Kwinana Freeway train lines within the City of Cockburn,” he said.

“The City was subsequently contacted by WA Police and the Public Transport Authority (PTA) to assist in the matter, attempts were made to capture the sheep for several hours.

“However, these proved to be unsuccessful causing a number of delays to train services and danger to motorists and officers involved.”

Mr Moore said the sheep was observed to be in distress increasing the risk to public safety.

“In consideration to public safety and the animal’s welfare, the agencies involved determined that euthanising the sheep via the use of a firearm was the most appropriate course of action,” he said.

“A City ranger humanely euthanised the sheep onsite while train services were temporarily suspended and part of the southbound freeway was closed.”

The runaway sheep became a social media sensation after it was spotted on the train tracks about 10am on Wednesday morning.

Trains were delayed on the Mandurah and Joondalup train lines causing commuter chaos.

The sheep was reported wandering on the Kwinana Freeway northbound about 8am.

Camera Icon Image Credit: Supplied / Supplied

Mr Moore said enquiries were underway to find the owner of the sheep.