A royal python is lucky to be alive after he was rescued from the middle of a busy main road.

The snake, which is just under three feet long, may have been an escaped pet or may have been deliberately dumped, the RSPCA believe.

A passer-by spotted the black and tan python at about 4.50pm in Ingrams Close, Hersham, and, seeing the snake was in danger, fetched a box to keep him safe in.

The reptile rescuer then gave the snake some water, kept him in a warm part of his home before calling the RSPCA.

RSPCA specialist exotics officer Pete Yarde said: “I’ve owned and cared for reptiles for a long time and I’m pleased to say the snake is doing well. He’s in good condition, despite his ordeal.

“He’s a beautiful royal python, just under three feet long and I estimate him to be roughly six years old, perhaps a little younger.

“I’m very keen to find out how he came to be in such a dangerous situation: Exposed like that in the middle of a road could have meant anything might have happened to him, he could have been run over by a car or attacked by another animal.

“It would also have been too cold for him, particularly at night when the temperature dropped. He’s lucky to be alive.”

Potential owners of exotic pets should thoroughly research what is required to properly care for their pet, an RSPCA spokeswoman warned.

The association's national cruelty line receives a call about an animal suffering or in distress every 27 seconds.

The RSPCA is now appealing for information about the python. To offer information, call 0300 123 8018.