Owners of a giant 8ft carpet python snake that escaped from their home have confirmed they have finally found her after a week at large.

Pet owner Michelle Brunton from Taunton Square in Thorney Close, Sunderland, confirmed on Facebook that her giant carpet python named Dakota escaped from their home on September 19.

Sunderland locals were sent into a panicked frenzy at the news, questioning how the snake was able to escape and rushing to the comments expressing their fear of the animal.

Read more: 8ft jungle carpet python escapes from Sunderland home

Finally, after being missing for seven days, Michelle confirmed that Dakota is "back safely in her vivarium with a wedge door stop to keep her in". 

She also said: "Panic averted, snake is well and back in her tank. She came out for her dinner!"

Locals have now expressed their relief at the news after many expressed strong concerns about coming across the animal outdoors.

One said: "I have some padlocks if needed, really don't wanna be on the lookout for a snake in North East England like."

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Another added: "Glad she is safe and warm and will probably be due a feed in the next few days."

Dakota's breed of python is commonly found in Australia and can grow up to around 13ft in size, and is known as a popular pet amongst snake enthusiasts.

In the past, incidents of pythons eating small cats and dogs have been reported.