A 12-foot python was spotted slithering down a street in the early hours.

The yellow python was spotted in Harwood Street, West Bromwich, at around 1.30am this morning (Tuesday, September 5) by a shocked member of the public who called police.

The RSPCA was unable to attend so brave police response officers stepped in to detain the reptile, which was put into a police van.

A picture shared by police shows three officers restraining the snake. 

A force spokesperson said: "Our officers are not easily rattled when it comes to responding to unusual calls as we deal with a huge variety of incidents.

"Just after 1.30am this morning we received a call from a member of the public that a 12 foot yellow python was slithering on Harwood Street, West Bromwich.

"While RSPCA colleagues would usually handle this situation they were not able to attend due to the time of the call so some of our brave response officers stepped in.

"We managed to safely rescue the snake and get it into our van without too many slips and slides.

"The snake was then transferred to a nearby veterinary hospital for overnight care."