POLICE are baffled after a fourth snake has been found abandoned in woodland in the last month.

Cleveland Police were called at around 2.45pm this afternoon (Monday 10th August), by a member of the public who had found a snake in Kirkleatham Woods, near Redcar.

The 5ft python has been temporarily housed whilst enquiries continue into the circumstances around how the snake came to be there.

Over the last month, two snakes were found in the area of Wilton Lane and a third was located in a car park near Cineworld in Middlesbrough.

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman said: “A member of the public reported to police that she had found a python in Kirkleatham Woods this afternoon.

“This is the fourth snake that has been located over the last month in the Force area. It is now being cared for whilst police carry out enquiries around the circumstances of how it came to be there.

“So far, there has been no evidence of any criminal offence in relation to the four snakes being found. Anyone who has a snake or reptile which they believe that they can no longer manage is able to contact the RSPCA for advice or for re-homing of the animal.”

Parents with children are urged to remain vigilant and to not disturb any snake they spot.

Anyone with information on who the snake may belong to is asked to contact Cleveland Police on the non-emergency number 101.