Small children warned to stay away from boa constrictor 'on loose in Lancashire'
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Version 0 of 1. An 8ft boa constrictor is on the loose in Lancashire, police have said, as they warn that small children could be at risk of asphyxiation. The snake was reported missing by its owner yesterday at 9.30pm from a property on Bearncroft in the town of Skelmersdale. Police are now asking locals to keep an eye out for the non-venomous creature and to contact the authorities if they spot it. Officers say they aren’t usually aggressive, but that the snake “could pose a risk to small children or pets by wrapping itself around them to seek warmth.” Boas do not like noise and the snake is more than likely looking for somewhere to sleep. Authorities are looking into the possibility that that it slithered down the toilet and is hiding in the drains, Sky News reports. It could apparently pop out of one of the neighbour's drains, though council officials have so far undertaken a fruitless a search of them. “While we do not believe the snake is aggressive or would attack anybody there is the potential for risk to small children or pets from the animal seeking warmth,” Inspector Mark Porter said. “I would urge anyone who sees the snake to get in touch so that it can be recovered safely.” If you spot the reptile call police on 101 and quote log number 1586 of 22 July. |