If you had taken a morning stroll through Twickenham today, you might have found yourself face-to-face with two pythons, among the largest type of snake in the world.
The pair were discovered by a member of the public in Edwin Road, Twickenham, on Sunday at 7am.
Initial reports suggested the two slithery creatures were boa constrictors but a vet nurse told a witness she believed them to be pythons.
Witness Mick Stevens sent in several incredible photographs of the pythons before they were rescued and said he helped capture one of the snakes.
He said: "As far as I know, a member of the public found the snakes at 7am this morning and was advised to call the RSPCA, who unfortunately had no one to send.
"The police kindly sent someone to assist in keeping people away from the snakes and the council were called by another member of the public.
"We managed to capture one slithering along by putting a box in front of it and taping the lid shut and the council caught the other with a litter picker.
"They were believed to be two pythons, according to a vet nurse who turned up.
"As the RSPCA had no one to send, the council took the snakes back to the depot awaiting collection by the RSPCA."
A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: "The two boas were taken to Richmond Council as soon as they arrived because I am not sure the police station has the facilities to look after them."
Police contacted Animal Rescue and Care, an animal charity based in Richmond, for advice on how best to deal with the creatures.
Fran Perrow, a spokesman for the charity, said the matter was referred on.
She added: "We have seen lots of animals dumped over the last few weeks, including two rabbits in the Marble Hill playground and three more by the edge of a main road."
Pythons, one of the largest snakes in the world, need a warm climate to survive.
Richmond Council has been contacted to comment on status of the snakes in its care.
The snakes were found in Edwin Road, Twickenham
Was it you who discovered the Twickenham pythons? Contact the news desk on 0208 722 6330 or email tom.ambrose@london.newsquest.co.uk.
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