The huge reptile, believed to be a Burmese python, was coiled up next to a metal fence and the men thought it was dead - before it started to slither.

The live snake was found opposite the normally busy Broomhill Tavern, which is closed due to the pandemic.

Footage posted online shows one of the workers approaching the snake, before saying: “F****** hell man, look at the size of it.”

Police Scotland said officers had received reports of the video and had dispatched officers to investigate.

It said: “Police Scotland report that a large snake was found earlier today in Greenock.

“The snake, which is approximately 14’ long is currently being examined and cared for at a local veterinary practice.

“Local social media posts have highlighted this incident with photographs and commentary around the find, and at this stage there have been a number of other similar reports relating to snakes being spotted in the local community.”

Inspector Paul Thompson at Greenock Police Station said: “Officers are currently dealing with the reports of a number of sightings of large snakes in the Greenock and Gourock area.

“I would urge anyone who may come across a snake not to approach it, but to call police reporting its position.

“At this stage we are carrying out local enquiries in order to establish if anyone is missing any snakes.”

Chief Inspector Paul Cameron, local area commander for Inverclyde, added: “We have traced the owner of a large snake found on Tuesday, 2 February, in Greenock.

“Footage of this animal was posted to social media and it is currently with a vet. No criminality has been identified in relation to this at present and enquiries are ongoing.”