A three-and-a-half-foot long royal python has gone missing in Prestwich.

The snake, called Bailey, escaped from its vivarium at a flat in Bury Old road on Saturday. It is not believed Bailey has escaped from the building, but is more than likely to have hidden under the floorboards or in the wall cavities. He is non-venomous and feeds on small rodents such as mice.

Police say the snake (like the one pictured) is of no danger to the public or pets. Chief Inspector Karan Lee from Bury police said: "Bailey is three and a half feet long but has a girth of only one inch. He is a very small snake.

"We believe he is still in the property somewhere. They don't like the cold, don't stray far and can't climb. It eats small rodents such as mice and a cat could kill him if cornered. He is of no danger to anyone - adult, child or pet."

Bailey's owner was unavailable to comment.