Apython is on the loose

A Burmese python hunted by police after it was spotted in undergrowth near a children's play area is believed to be 8ft long.

A member of the public reported the sighting in the Bluebell Drive/Rose Walk area of the Eden Village estate in Sittingbourne at around 2.30pm.

It was described as being 8ft long, yellow and the size of a drainpipe in width.

Lauren Whitlock who lives on the Eden Village estate was walking with her three-and-a-half-month-old son Oscar when she noticed the officers searching the area using sticks to beat back the grass which measures four feet tall in some places.

Mrs Whitlock said: "There was about three or four police cars parked around the edge and about eight police officers and three Police Community Support Officers going through the grass.

"It was right by the children's play area and there were lots of children around there, they weren't being moved away."

Police confirmed officers were looking for the reptile.

A spokesman said: "The RSPCA attended to assist in the search for the snake which given the description, is believed could possibly be a Burmese python.

"The animal was not recovered during the search and officers are urging residents to be aware and to contact the RSPCA should they have sightings of the animal again.

"The RSPCA is advising people not to approach the snake."

A spokesman said: "Snakes won't approach you unless you approach them."

To report a sighting call 0300 1234 999.