A MAN was taken to hospital this afternoon after being bitten by his seven foot long pet python called Crusher.

Police were called to a house in Westmoreland Road, Middlesbrough, shortly after 4pm by the ambulance service who were tending to the 20-year-old.

They contacted the RSPCA for expert advice on the snake and it was determined its venom is not poisonous.

A spokesman for Cleveland Police said the snake was handed over to the RSPCA while the man was taken to Accident & Emergency at James Cook University Hospital for a check up.