Rare snake abandoned in a bag in Eastbourne dies

Image caption, The Rainbow Boa was left in a white mesh bag

A rare snake found abandoned on a doorstep in East Sussex has died.

The Rainbow Boa was discovered in a mesh bag at a property in Croxden Way, Eastbourne, on Saturday evening.

The RSPCA said it was very poorly when it was left and was a type a specialist owner would pick. It was left at the home of another snake owner.

The snake was taken to a vets in Horsham which specialises in treating reptiles but it died on Wednesday.

It had been given fluids and food to strengthen it so it could receive treatment but it did not respond.

The RSPCA said it was unacceptable to abandon any animal and was appealing for witnesses.

The bag the reptile was in has been described as being made of white, mesh plastic with the number 50 and two Ls printed on it.