Python mystery

A python measuring nearly 18ft (5.5m) has been found dead in a country lane at a North Yorkshire resort.

The snake, which was discovered by a dog walker, was found in Newlands Lane, Cloughton, Scarborough, early on Monday morning.

Police said they had no idea where it had come from, or the exact species of python it was.

Officers said the snake had been handed over to the local council to dispose of it.

Local resident Ann Tindall sent photographs of the snake to the BBC.

She said: "It was a real surprise to see it. You just cannot believe that something like that could be found somewhere like Scarborough.

"We measured it to find out how long it was and it came to about 17.7ft. We don't know if it had been living there wild, or had just been dumped."