Deadly snake travels from India to Essex in shipping container

Volunteers from the South Essex Wildlife Hospital were called in for rescue after the snake was found curled up in the corner of a giant shipping container that had arrived at Tilbury Docks from India, the Daily mail reported.

Saw-scaled vipers are small but have an irritable and aggressive nature and their lethal venom makes them very dangerous to humans.

Experts believe they are responsible for more human deaths than all other snake species combined as they tend to live in more populated areas.

"They are very dangerous snakes to keep. It's like having a loaded gun. Their venom isn't the most poisonous but because they live in highly populated areas they tend to bite more people. That's why they're the most deadly," Hospital founder Sue Schwar, said.

The snake could have been in the container for several weeks but it appeared to be in good health.

It is currently being looked after at the hospital awaiting a suitable home.