Mystery as 16ft python found in Lancashire canal

Experts say huge snake might have been living in wild for several days before being found dead in Leeds and Liverpool Canal in Rishton .

Police are appealing for information after a 16ft python was found dead in a canal in Lancashire.
The snake might have been living in the wild for several days and a python of this size could have been capable of attacking a human, experts said.

The head of the 16ft python that was found dead in a canal in Rishton Photo: PA
The python's head (PA)

The reptile, a reticulated python, was discovered by walkers floating in the Leeds and Liverpool Canal near Norden Bridge, in Rishton, at around 4pm on Sunday.

A reptile expert attended the scene and recovered the python, which measured 16ft 5ins and is believed to have been around 12 to 15 years old.

Following an autopsy, the reptile showed signs of respiratory disease - which could have contributed to its death.

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

PC Carl Chew, a wildlife crime officer, 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 and owners can contact Pip Reptile Rescue if they require any help or advice about caring for or rehousing reptiles.
"Similarly, we would urge anyone thinking about getting rid of their pets, particularly those which may pose a risk to the public, to contact an animal charity for advice so that they can be rehomed safely and responsibly."

Python reticulatus, also known as the Asiatic reticulated python, are normally native to south east Asia and are the world's longest snakes.
They are non-venomous constrictors and normally not considered dangerous to humans - although large specimens have been known to kill humans.