Stray snake found in Greenwich fish and chip shop

An stray snake has been found in a fish and chip shop in south-east London.

The RSPCA was called to the chip shop in Greenwich last week following reports that a python was on the loose.

The "python" was in fact a juvenile corn snake - a pet that escaped from one of the flats above the premises - and was returned to its owner.

The RSPCA has urged snake keepers to be extra-vigilant in the warm weather, which can make the reptiles more active.

Figures from the charity indicated a year-on-year increase in the number of snakes in need of help across England, with nearly 1,000 reports in 2024.

Of those, 48 were in London, compared to just 16 the previous year.

RSPCA senior scientific officer Evie Button said snakes were "excellent escape artists" and would take the opportunity of a gap in an enclosure door, or a loose-fitting lid to make a break for it.

"Last year, we took almost one thousand reports about snakes - more than in 2023 - with the highest number of calls coming in during the summer months.

"This is not surprising, as snakes become more active during hot weather - so as the UK continues to swelter this summer, we're braced for another influx of calls."

Ms Button urged snake owners to ensure enclosures are suitable and secure as many of the elongated limbless reptiles rescued by the RSPCA were escaped pets.

Others turned out to be part of Britain's wildlife - native snakes such as grass snakes and adders that have been misidentified as stray exotic pets.

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