The RSPCA received an urgent call after reports that a deadly snake had been spotted in a garden in west Cumbria. 

An RSPCA inspector went to a house in Workington to rescue what was believed to be a loose King Cobra in someone's garden.

A woman had spotted the snake in a neighbouring garden in Westfield Avenue on Wednesday June 23 and thought she saw it move.

She called her son, who saw the snake sitting on a garden chair and phoned Cumbria Police for help.

However, things were not all what they seemed and fears were soon alleviated after, what was thought to be a venomous reptile, turned out to be a plastic toy.

RSPCA inspector, Martyn Fletcher, said: "As the woman thought the snake had moved, the police took it seriously and called us.

“It's really important in these situations to confine the animal as safely as possible, particularly if it’s suspected that the snake may be venomous.

“However, it didn’t take me too long to realise that this King Cobra was the plastic kind - thankfully too as they are deadly venomous snakes. 

“Obviously we are trained to be able to identify snakes but it is not so obvious to members of the public - so I understand they may have been spooked by the sighting.

“It appears that the toy had come from children in a neighbouring garden - so the snake has now been returned to its home.

“I knew King Cobra snakes were deadly snakes but afterwards I found out their venom is strong enough to kill 20 men - maybe it was a good job I didn’t know that fact before I went."

The RSPCA would always recommend that anyone who sees an exotic snake to keep a safe distance, call their helpline on 0300 1234 999 and monitor the animal until they can get there.

Martyn added: “We do get quite a number of calls about animals in distress which actually have innocent explanations! 

“They are genuine calls from well-meaining members of the public so it is all part of the job. 

“I have been to a few snake jobs where they have turned out to be toys but have also rescued the real deal too - so you just never know what you might be dealing with.”

For more information on the work the RSPCA do and to donate funds, visit their website.