Hunt for escaped boa constrictor

Police are appealing to members of the public to be on the look out for a "vicious" snake after it escaped from a car in Scunthorpe.

The 8ft red-tailed boa constrictor went missing from Fox Street on Monday.

The snake's owner was taking it to a snake farm in Wickenby, Lincolnshire, but the reptile escaped after he opened the car boot to allow it some air.

A police spokeswoman said the snake was thought to be vicious. It does not like humans or dogs and will bite.

"We advise members of the public who see the snake to contact us or the RSPCA as a matter of urgency," she added.