Snakes alive! Cops collared an unusual suspect on patrol in a Birmingham street – a huge boa constrictor. West Midlands Police released a photograph showing the shocking moment officers came across the pn-the-run reptile.
Posting the photo on its official Facebook page, the force explained officers were driving down Park Lane in Aston when they noticed the large snake moving across the road.
They released a statement alongside the photo which read: “We often have to deal with the odd slippery customer, but officers got an off-the-scale shock when they encountered a boa constrictor in the middle of a busy Birmingham road.
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“Officers from our operational support unit were driving down Park Lane yesterday afternoon when they spotted the large snake moving across the road.”
They added: “But they soon had the situation in the bag as they gently manoeuvred the creature into a pillowcase before taking it for checks at a local reptile centre.
“Staff at Birmingham Reptiles confirmed that the common boa constrictor had come to no harm and they’ll be looking after it until its owner claims it or it’s rehomed.”
Boa constrictors are large, non-venomous snakes that are often kept and bred in captivity. On Facebook, users praised the officers for ensuring the care of the reptile.
Jayne Lizzie wrote: “Just a little one. Thank you to the officers for ensuring it is safe from harm and back into care.”
Becky Page commented: “We’ll done for helping the animal and not hurting it.”
Suzanne Boyes added: “Gorgeous snake, thank you officers for not harming it.”