Cobra security

A London department store has gone to great lengths to protect a luxury shoe collection, engaging the help of a live cobra.

The slippery security guard was on duty for Monday's launch of exclusive footwear including a £62,000 pair of Rene Caovilla sandals encrusted with rubies, sapphires and diamonds encrusted .

Whether hiring a poisonous snake is, strictly speaking, the most effective means of guarding haute couture shoes might be a moot point with security experts.

But it makes for an effective photo opportunity.

A spokeswoman for Harrods admitted that the cobra had been hired strictly for Monday's launch.

"The snake has now been returned to its owner," she said.

And before you ask, Debbie, the answer's NO !