A snake able to eat “small cats” is NOT on the loose in Sittingbourne.

The 5ft python, a male, was reported missing this morning in Bluebell Drive on the Eden Village estate at about 7.25am.

Charlie Franks, who said they were the owner, posted a plea on Facebook for people to contact them if they saw it.

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They warned: “BE AWARE! My pet snake has escaped its enclosure. It is a full grown royal python 5ft in length.”

Charlie said it had not eaten for a few days and was capable of devouring “anything from mice up to small cats/kittens”.

VIDEO: Snake on the loose revealed as hoax

They added that he would try and find a warm place to sleep such as an airing cupboard.

But just over two hours later, Charlie admitted to having not been "totally honest with you guys" and said it had been a joke and they had not realised it would escalate.

"Sorry for scaring everyone," they added.