This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-23583116

The article has changed 6 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 1 Version 2
Large snake kills two children in New Brunswick, Canada Snake 'strangles two children' in New Brunswick, Canada
(about 2 hours later)
A snake escaped from a pet shop and killed two children in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, police say.A snake escaped from a pet shop and killed two children in the Canadian province of New Brunswick, police say.
In a statement, the Royal Mounted Canadian Police said they believed the reptile had strangled two boys, aged five and seven, in Campbellton. In a statement, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said they believed the reptile had strangled two boys, aged five and seven, in Campbellton.
The boys were staying overnight at a friend's apartment above the pet shop.The boys were staying overnight at a friend's apartment above the pet shop.
Police said they believe the snake slipped out of its cage overnight and travelled through the ventilation. The serpent has been captured by police.Police said they believe the snake slipped out of its cage overnight and travelled through the ventilation. The serpent has been captured by police.
Officers were called to the address on Monday morning where the two boys were found dead, said a police statement. 'Tragedy'
Officers were called to the address on Monday morning where the two boys were found dead, said a police statement. The flat was located above the Reptile Ocean exotic pet store.
"The preliminary investigation has led police to believe that a large exotic snake had escaped its enclosure at the store sometime overnight, and got into the ventilation system, then into the upstairs apartment," said the statement."The preliminary investigation has led police to believe that a large exotic snake had escaped its enclosure at the store sometime overnight, and got into the ventilation system, then into the upstairs apartment," said the statement.
Post-mortem examinations will be performed on the two boys on Tuesday. Post-mortem examinations will be performed on the two boys, thought to be brothers, on Tuesday. No charges have been laid so far.
Campbellton's deputy mayor, Ian Comeau, said the incident was a "tragedy".
"The city is in shock," he added.
Initial reports suggested the reptile may have been a boa constrictor, but officials later said they believed it was an African rock python.
The owner of the store told CTV News that he had had the snake since 2001.