Pet rat snake found in woodland

The non-poisonous American rat snake is 6ft-long

Police have appealed for the owner of a 6ft-long pet rat snake to come forward after it was discovered in woodland.

An off-duty British Transport Police officer found the snake on Wednesday morning while walking his dog through Fort Fareham woods in Hampshire.

Sgt Colin Towler, of Hampshire Police and a reptile expert, attended the scene and identified the creature as a non-poisonous American rat snake.

"I am sure it is someone's pet rather than wild," said Sgt Towler.

"The snake is used to being handled and is still in very good condition, so it is likely it has not been long since it escaped."