A snake found in the toilet of a couple’s new home was left feeling a little blue... after being dyed by cleaning products.

Naomi Burdett and her partner discovered the 4ft snake after hearing a smash in the downstairs lavatory of their home in Basildon, Essex.

When they went to investigate, they could only hear the hissing of the rat snake – which they have called Kevin – but eventually found him in the cistern of the toilet.

Ms Burdett admitted they were not “the biggest fans of snakes” but said they “grew attached” to him in the end.

She said: “We haven’t had any heating until recently so it must have been really cold for him. We haven’t been staying here during the renovations so I have no idea where he has been living or how long he has been here.

“It’s a really bizarre situation – we were telling family and they were saying ‘send us pictures or we don’t believe you’. I just hope he makes a full recovery now, as we grew quite attached to him.”

The RSPCA, who were called out to collect Kevin, said he was probably a pet snake that had escaped.

“Rat snakes are kept as pets fairly regularly in this country so I’m sure he’s an escaped pet,” said animal collection officer Joe White.

“If anyone recognises him they can call the RSPCA inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018.”

Kevin has now been logged on the service Pets Located and is recovering at a wildlife hospital where he will be monitored in case he has ingested chemical toilet water.

The RSPCA recommended that owners invest in secure enclosures suitable for the particular species.

A spokesperson said: “Reptiles, particularly snakes, can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.

“The RSPCA advises members of the public to not handle unconfirmed species of snakes.”