Stunned police discovered an 8ft python during a drugs raid at a house.

Officers who entered the house with a warrant discovered the snake in a tank at the house in Somerset Road, Ashford, on Tuesday morning.

The RSPCA was called out to check the snake.

South Kent Police spokesman Rosy Alexander said: “It seems the snake was a pet of one of the occupants.

“But an RSPCA officer arrived as the bottom of the cage also had to be searched.”

Police had arrived at the house at 9am with a warrant to search for drugs and stolen property.

Four people were arrested in the raid, two in connection with drug offences, one on suspicion of handling stolen goods and a fourth person who was wanted on another warrant.

Three were later bailed pending further inquiries and the fourth was released without charge.