The slippery customer was spotted near the Dartford tunnel

A sssuspicious package by the ssside of the road by the Dartford tunnel turned out to be a king snake.

The black and white striped snake was spotted in a plastic container at the side of the A2.

Animal expert Wayne May from Artisan Rare Breeds in Farningham was called in to collect the reptile.

Mr May of The Brent, Dartford, said: “I had a phone call from a member of the public and I told them to leave it as it’s the time of year when grass snakes come out of hibernation.

"When they said it was black and white I thought I’d better have a look.

Wayne May with the snake at the crossing

“It was non-venomous so I contacted the Highways Agency to let them know because I’d stopped on the hard shoulder and then met with the supervisor and went back to their office where it was photographed.

"I’ve brought it back to the centre where it will stay for seven days and if anyone claims it they will need to contact the Highways Agency to collect it but if not I’ll probably hold on to it and use it for school talks.”

The unrattled snake has staff at the Highways Agency office at the Dartford Tunnel to thank, who had a whip-round to help care for it.

The rare breeds group was set up in 2011 and looks after rare animals such as Arapawa goats, miniature zebus, which are small cattle, and red jungle fowl.

To contact the Highways Agency call 01322 221603.