Police have confirmed they are considering an investigation into the controversial killing of a snake in Aberdeen.

The reptile was initially discovered on November 9 on a ship that had arrived in Aberdeen from West Africa.

It was transferred to the Scottish SPCA’s rehoming centre in Drumoak after it was misidentified as a lethal green mamba.

However, it later emerged it was a benign green tree snake, with neither venom nor fangs.

By that stage, the snake had already been put down after being placed in a freezer due to “severe health and safety concerns”.

A police spokeswoman said: “Police Scotland can confirm a complaint has been received and it is under consideration.”

Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn responded: “The decision to euthanise the snake was not taken lightly.

“Unfortunately, the snake has since been identified as a harmless green tree snake. This has been an honest mistake on the society’s part as we genuinely believed this was an extremely deadly snake.

“Our centres took in 265 reptiles last year, including snakes, terrapins and lizards – a 74% increase in the number we have rescued over the last five years.”