5ft-long boa constrictor found near the Thames

A 5ft-long boa constrictor has been caught by the RSPCA after roaming near the River Thames in south west London.

The snake was found on Sunday after being spotted in long grass near Barnes Bridge in Chiswick.

The reptile was collected by Jade Guthrie, an animal officer, who said it was the largest boa constrictor she has had to rescue. The charity confirmed the snake was healthy and that its size suggested it had been abandoned, rather than it being a stray. It is now being cared for by RSPCA specialists.

Last year, the charity said it had rescued more than 4,000 exotic pets over a 12-month period.