This slippery customer was found abandoned on a pavement in west London.
Officers revealed two callers had reported seeing the metre-long Royal Python in Avonmore Road, Hammersmith shortly before 2pm before a man handed it in at Fulham police station.
The snake was then transferred to the Mayhew Animal Home in Kensal Green, north London, where it will remain until it is taken to a reptile rescue centre.
Staff said the python, believed to be less than a year old, was close to death at the time it was brought in off the street.
Head of animal welfare at the centre, Gillian Notton said: “’It was lethargic and freezing, He was very cold but otherwise seems to be in good health If it had been left out another night it would have died or it would have been run over.
“We’ve put it in a warm place to get heated so It’s now thawing and chilling out beside the radiator.
“It’s temperature is getting back to normal. We’ll look after it now and then it will go to a reptile rescue centre.”
The snake has been named Ebenezer.
Royal Pythons are not venomous but can grow to more than six feet in length. They are considered a popular choice for people wanting a snake as a pet.
