John and Jean Cox had just got back from America with their 17-year-old son Michael, and they started to unpack.

And a one-and-a-half metre-long snake crept out of their suitcase!

'Terrified of snakes'

"I thought I was seeing things," Mrs Cox, from Gosport, Hants, said.

"I can only think it must have slithered inside while I was packing it and then hid.

"I am terrified of snakes so it sends a shiver down my spine."

Harmless

They called an RSPCA inspector who identified the creature as a large, but harmless, Californian King Snake.

It's now being looked after by an exotic snake specialist where it'll have a happy life.