One of the world's deadliest snakes has been found on a boat in Aberdeen Harbour.

The green mamba was discovered shortly after the ship arrived from Africa on Wednesday night.

Its crew managed to put the snake into a box and alerted the Scottish SPCA, which took it to a wildlife centre in Drumoak under police escort. Vets were later forced to destroy the snake.

John Carle, a chief inspector with the charity, said: "The green mamba snake is one of the most deadly snakes in the world.

"It was picked up in Aberdeen by one of our animal rescue officers after arriving on a boat from Africa.

"Sadly the snake had to be put to sleep after our attempts to rehome it to specialist reptile keepers were unsuccessful.

"We could not keep it in our centre due to severe health and safety concerns as the closest antivenom is held in London."

The venom of the green mamba can kill in as little as 30 minutes, although the species is not aggressive.