The search is on for the owner of a sneaky snake that slipped out of its home and was found in Herne Bay.

The 5ft adult corn snake was reported to Penfolds Reptile shop owner Terry Matthews this morning at 10am.

He went to Albany Drive in Herne Bay to find the non-venomous constrictor slithering in the gutter, and brought it back to the store for its own safety.

Mr Matthews said: “A guy came in to the shop first thing this morning to say a snake was in the road.

“I found it in the gutter when I got there. It is an adult corn snake, which are the most common type of pet snakes.

“I found it in the gutter when I got there. It is an adult corn snake, which are the most common type of pet snakes" - Terry Matthews

“They are not dangerous, and are originally found in America. They come in all different colours and are kept in warm vivarium tanks in people’s homes.

“The owner probably just left a door open or forgot about it, and the snake escaped.”

Mr Matthews, holding a similar type of snake, is now hoping the owner will come forward to claim it, but they will have to guess its colour if they want to get it back.

He added: “They tend to get a bad press when there is no need for it. We’re hoping for a happy ending to reunite it with its owner, which is always good.”