THE spirit of Monty Python came to the streets of Blackburn when a snake was spotted on the loose.

Householders in Irving Place were stunned to find the reptile, thought to be up to four-and-a-half feet long, apparently sunbathing in the middle of the road.

The snake, at first believed to have been a young python, was also found hanging under the bonnet of a car down a driveway.

Astonished neighbours gathered as news spread of the remarkable discovery and the snake was eventually bundled safely into a bag.

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Fesal Javid, of Irving Place, proved the bravest of all as he fearlessly grabbed the snake as others looked on from a safe distance.

The owner of the car, who did not want to be named, said: "The snake seemed quite used to it.

"I said just to leave it but Fesal just grabbed it.

"I was impressed. I acted hard but I said I'm not touching it."

Another neighbour, who saw the snake in the street, said: "I looked at it and thought that can't be a snake.

"It was quite worrying for everyone but Fesal was the hero of the day."

The snake was put in a cardboard box, which was then deposited in a pillow case. A headband was used to keep the unexpected guest inside.

An RSPCA worker headed for the scene but the snake was handed over to a Blackburn with Darwen pest control officer, who happened to be driving past.

A spokesman for the council said the reptile was a pine snake, a non-venomous and harmless species generally found in America. It was later handed over into the care of the RSPCA.

Mystery still surrounds how it came to be in Irving Place.

The car owner said: "I do not know anyone who would own a snake in the street."

But anyone in Blackburn who has lost the snake is urged to claim it from the RSPCA - it's an opportunity not to be 'hissed'.