THE python dumped on a Rishton canal bank could have been living in the wild for days before it died and could have attacked somebody, police said.

The reticulated python, one of the longest breeds of snake in the world, was found floating in the canal, and measured in at 16ft 5in after being taken away by a reptile expert.

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It is believed to have been around 12 to 15 years old and showed signs of respiratory disease which could have contributed to its death, an autopsy showed.

Officers are now investigating how the python came to be in the canal and are appealing for anyone with any information to come forward.

Wildlife crime officer, PC Carl Chew, said: "Experts believe that a python of this size could have been capable of attacking a person so it is fortunate that no one came to any serious harm.

“There are specific offences under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and Animal Welfare Act in relation to releasing a python and we would urge anyone with any information as to where the python came from to contact us.

“It is a possibility that the python may have outgrown its home."

Anyone with information can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting log number LC-20150301-0942