Supermarket giant Tesco has apologised to the family and launched an investigation into the incident.

It is believed the scorpion came into Northern Ireland in a bunch of flowers which was then sold in one of their shops.

The family said they were "petrified" by the aggressive black African Flat Rock.

The reptile, normally found in Africa's dry savannah land, was described as an aggressive young male of about three inches long. Experts said they can grow up to five inches long and are capable of giving a nasty nip or sting.

The father, who did not want to be identified, said: "We were petrified. We were watching Die Hard of all things and I noticed something on the wall. At first I thought it was a gecko, but then when I looked closer I realised it was a scorpion.

"I didn't know if it was of a venomous nature or not. It's very similar to one I saw in Botswana years ago.

"My wife and I were both very surprised. It's not the sort of everyday thing you expect to find in downtown Belfast.

"This all happened at about midnight, I just didn't know what to do at all because I have three young children in the house, and I didn't want to alarm them."

The family believe the scorpion was brought into their house in a bunch of flowers bought from Tesco.

In a statement, Tesco apologised and said it would be probing the matter.

The scorpion is being kept in a box but the family has contacted a local reptile shop to see if someone can take it off their hands.