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PCSO Sam Woollaston holds the snake found in Erdington, pictured with Bronya Worrall, of Birmingham Reptile & Pets, and PCSO Carolyn Oates.
A Birmingham woman had the shock of her life when a snake began sliding out of the side of her armchair.

The woman, who has not been named, was enjoying afternoon tea with a friend at her home in New Street, Erdington, when the two-foot long rat snake was spotted.

How the snake came to be at the property remains a mystery that has left everyone baffled.

To the resident's relief PCSO Sam Wollaston was patrolling nearby and she was able to call to him for help.

Sam said: "When we're patrolling the high street we often get shoppers and local residents people approaching us to speak about any concerns they have, but this is certainly the first time I've been approached to deal with a snake on the loose.

"When I got to the property the resident pointed to where the snake had been spotted.

"Thankfully we have a great link with a local reptile shop and they teamed up with us to grab the snake as it tried to evade capture by hiding amongst the cushions."

The snake is now being looked after by staff at Birmingham Reptiles and Pets on Slade Road until it can be reunited with its owner.

Anyone who believes the snake may belong to them is asked to contact Stockland Green neighbourhood policing team on 101.