Python spotted near public footpath

The snake (pictured) was first spotted near a footpath in Oakfield Road, Blackwater

A python remains at large in Hampshire despite police appeals to track it down.

Hart Rural Police said the snake, thought to be a non-venomous rock or carpet python, was first spotted near a footpath in Oakfield Road, Blackwater, on Friday afternoon.

A Hampshire Constabulary officer responded to the call but could not locate it.

The creature is described as 5ft to 6ft long (1.5 to 1.8m).

A further sighting was reported by a Facebook user on Sunday in the Hawley Meadows area.

A police spokeswoman said there had been no further sightings of the python since then.

"It isn't clear where it has escaped from at the current time," she added.

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