A six-foot snake has been found dumped in an alleyway in Croydon.

The boa constrictor was discovered in Thornton Heath on Camden Way earlier this month.

A worried passer-by, alerted the RSPCA after spotting the animal in a white polystyrene box, on May 15.

RSPCA Inspector Callum Isitt, who collected the snake, said: “A woman was walking through the alley late on Monday afternoon when she spotted the white polystyrene box and looked inside. She must have had quite the shock when she found the 6ft-long boa inside."

The snake was rushed to Putney Animal Hospital, where it is receiving treatment for a mite infection.

It is not yet known where the snake came from.

Inspector Isitt added: “I’d be keen to hear from anyone who may know where this snake has come from or who is responsible for abandoning the boa.

“Snakes are completely dependent on their owners for the correct accommodation, heating, lighting and feed, all of which must replicate their wild habitat as closely as possible to keep them healthy and allow them to express their normal behaviour.

“This boa was very dehydrated and lethargic, therefore would not have survived long on his own. Without proper care they can suffer from serious diseases, dehydration, injuries, parasites, and in severe cases or if left untreated, they can eventually die.

“Anyone with any information which may help our investigation into the abandonment should call our appeal line on 0300 1234 999.”

RSPCA exotics senior scientific officer Nicola White said: “We are seeing a worrying number of boa constrictors coming into our centres, because owners are no longer able to care for them.

“The main thing we want to stress to people who are thinking about bringing an exotic pet into their family is to research the needs of the animal thoroughly and make sure that you can provide everything that animal needs for the animal’s entire life.”

The animal welfare charity - the UK’s oldest and largest - currently has dozens of boa constrictors in its care and is searching for experienced homes for them to go to.

Ms White added: “Due to the size and care needed for these snakes we would need them to go to a home where the keeper is experienced and has an enclosure large enough to give these large snakes the space they need,”

“We want to make sure these animals who have already endured so much in their short lives, are matched with the right person so they need never end up back in a rescue environment again.”

Anyone with any information which may help our investigation into the abandonment should call The RSPCA appeal line on 0300 1234 999.

If you are able to help rehome a snake to call the RSPCA Brighton exotics centre on 07815 525578.