One of the world’s deadliest snakes has been discovered in the UK.

The saw-scaled viper was discovered in Essex as a stowaway in a shipment of rocks that a stonemason had ordered from India.

It was reported to South Essex Wildlife Hospital who “understood fully the gravity of just how dangerous” the snake is.

The viper was found in a “agitated and aggressive” state, and the animal hospital said someone could “likely” be killed.

 

The snake was recovered and put in a sealed room with signage until it could be collected.

A post on the South Essex Wildlife Hospital said: “In addition to many British wildlife species coming in today we also had a call about a critter that is definitely not in the country it should have been.

“We had a call regarding a stowaway snake that had arrived in a shipping container from India.

“As it was identified as a saw scaled viper and having had one before we understood fully the gravity of just how dangerous these reptiles are.

 

“Our reptile expert Steve and Tom the vet collected the very agitated and aggressive animal before someone was likely killed.

“We are glad not to have to deal with venomous creatures too often but feel sad for the snake that we can't give it is freedom and get it back home.”

Officially known as Echis vipers, the snakes are normally found in Africa, the Middle East and Asian areas such as India, Sri Lanka and Pakistan.

There are 12 species of the viper recognised, including some responsible for the most snakebite cases and deaths in the world.