Python rescued after house fire

Police officers helped rescue a reticulated python from a house fire in north Belfast on Friday.

The snake was discovered after reports of the fire at a terraced house on Crosby Street, in the Peter's Hill area, just before 08:00 GMT.

No other occupants were trapped in the property, which was severely damaged by smoke.

Police said arrangements had been made for the python, named Jenner, to be placed in the care of a local animal rescue centre.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said firefighters wearing breathing apparatus used one hose to extinguish the fire, and the incident was dealt with by 09:27 GMT.

It said a snake was in the property and was left with the PSNI to secure.

The cause of the fire is believed to have been accidental.

Reticulated pythons can reach lengths of more than 10m (32ft) and are very powerful.

They often live in forests, are normally fearful of humans, and are rarely seen.

They suffocate their victims before swallowing them whole.

Their jaws are connected by very flexible ligaments so they can stretch around large prey.