A six-foot python was on the loose yesterday (Thurs) after escaping from its owner in a block of flats.
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Residents said they were living in fear for the safety of young children and small pets as the deadly – which can grow up to 18 ft – remained at large.
Police were alerted and they called in exotic pet expert Matt Lacey who is now hunting the reptile in Maidstone, Kent.
Matt, who runs South East Exotic Pet Rescue, says he was told a number of residents were concerned about the escaped reptile and feared for the safety of small pets and children.
He is currently liaising with the snake’s owners to try and locate the missing snake which disappeared around 7pm on Tuesday.
It is not known what species the python is or how it escaped from the block of flats which is next to an area of woodland.
Kent police said: “We received a call at 7.05pm on Tuesday, June 16, to report a python was missing from a block of flats in Buckland Hill.
“A PCSO contacted the owner and passed on the number of a snake expert.”
Pythons typically remain motionless in a camouflaged position and then strike suddenly at passing prey.
They will generally not attack humans unless startled or provoked, although females protecting their eggs can be aggressive.
Many types are popular pets and pose no threat to their owners. They are non-venomous and kill their prey by squeezing them to death.
