Deadly venomous snake found on ship in Aberdeen

One of the most dangerous snakes in the world has been found on a boat in Aberdeen.

A western green mamba was found on the boat that had arrived from west Africa. File picture: Contributed

The western green mamba was discovered on on a ship from west Africa that had docked on Wednesday in the Granite City.

Crew members are believed to have put the snake in a box before contacting animal welfare experts.

The snake was taken to a nearby Scottish SPCA animal centre, but was later euthanised due to concerns over health and safety.

Scottish SPCA staff at the Drumoak animal centre said the nearest anti-venom was in London.

Able to grow up to nearly 8ft long, western green mambas are mainly found in tropical rainforests on the west African coast, and tend to feed on rodents and small animals.

Its venom can be fatal in as little as half an hour, according to experts.