This morning residents of The Grove in Highgate were surprised by a slippery new neighbour.

A 3 foot long exotic python was discovered on the pavement by street sweepers in the Haringey suburb. Tony, a bin man, who discovered the reptile stated: “We got a right surprise. It was curled up and very still – the poor thing looked very cold.”.

The snake was later collected by the RSPCA and taken to a safe place where it will be held until the owners come forward.