'Hundreds' of pets found in raid

Hundreds of exotic animals were found by police who raided two adjoining houses in Oldham.

Drugs, jewellery, and a machete were also found at the properties on Dowry Street, Fitton Hill, on Tuesday.

Officers found swarms of black beetles before removing "hundreds" of animals including four snakes, fourteen Gecko lizards, snapping turtles and chickens.

Sgt Rob Howarth, from Greater Manchester Police, said the house was "like a zoo".

Officers also uncovered an 18ft (5m) long boa constrictor, Macaw parrots, rats, mice, lizards and hundreds of beetles and other insects.

All the insects were running around, large black beetles, big horrible things with antennas, two to three inches long Sgt Rob Howarth

Sgt Howarth said the boa constrictor was as thick as a "rolled up carpet".

He added: "There were thousands of insects, they were the worst.

"All the insects were running around, large black beetles, big horrible things with antennas, two to three inches long.

"The noise was horrendous, swarms of them."

He said it was like searching in "jungle conditions".

A vet and council environmental health officers were called in to take care of the animals and re-house them, as officers carried out the search on Tuesday.

Sgt Howarth added: "We are keen to trace the owners of the jewellery and would appeal to anyone who has information to call us."

Three men, aged 25, 35 and 42, a 44-year-old woman and a 19-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of possessing drugs with intent to supply.

They have all been bailed until 27 January pending further inquiries.