A six foot python is on the loose after escaping the clutches of its owner at a block of flats in Maidstone last night.

The snake was reported missing from a property in Buckland Gardens, off Buckland Hill, at 7pm sparking an emergency call out.

Exotic pet expert, Matt Lacey, was then contacted by Kent Police and told a number of residents were concerned about the on the run reptile and feared for the safety of small pets and children in the area.

It is not known what species the constrictor is or how it escaped from the block which is next to Maidstone Barracks station and an area of wood land.

A Kent Police spokesman said: “We received a call at 7.05pm on Tuesday, June 16, to report a python was missing from a block of flats in Buckland Hill. A PCSO contacted the owner and passed on the number of a snake expert.”

Mr Lacey estimates there are hundreds of snakes in the Maidstone area currently and is concerned about the current lack of legislation surrounding vetting of buyers.

He said: “It’s possible to pick up a python that could grow to 18 feet for a couple of quid. I’ve asked Damian Green MP to raise the issue in parliament.”

Housing provider Orbit South, which owns the property, has been approached for comment.