A 10 foot python has been found in a canal.

The decomposing serpent was found by dog walker Tracey Horsfield at the canal off Altham Lane, Huncoat.

She said: “We thought it was a body at first, the smell was shocking. I couldn’t believe it when I saw it was a snake.”

It is a mystery how the snake came to be in the canal. It was discovered on Sunday, June 1.

RSPCA inspector Charlotte Brooker said: “This is a bizarre case. The snake could have been a pet and put in the canal dead or alive, we just don’t know at this stage.” The RSPCA is appealing for information. Contact them on 0300 1234 999.