Woman wakes to find 3ft python in Kensington bed

The Royal Python, believed to be an escaped pet, had snuggled up next to her in the night as she slept.

After jumping out of bed the woman, who has not been named, rushed out of her bedroom, trapping the reptile behind her before she called the RSPCA for help.

The RSPCA attended the property in west London on Monday, but were unable to locate the African python. It was only discovered the next day as it made its way down the hallway.

RSPCA animal collection officer Jill Sanders, who captured the python, said: ""Reptiles, particularly snakes, can be extremely good escape artists and will take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid.

It is unclear how the animal got inside the Kensington property, but the RSPCA said it is likely to have escaped from its owner nearby.

Snakes are more likely to escape in summer as they have more energy during warm weather.