Terrified mechanics called snake catchers after finding a 10ft python sleeping inside a car's engine compartment.

The auto shop workers were inspecting the SUV, which had been brought in for an airconditioning problem, when they discovered the gigantic reptile coiled beneath the bonnet on June 14.

They contacted the local reptile handlers to remove the enormous serpent.

The team arrived at the service centre in Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, and found the vehicle with the bonnet lifted and the 10ft beast resting in the engine compartment.

Despite its large size, the python proved elusive and kept slithering further inside the vehicle. Volunteers needed to detach the car battery to make space before finally grabbing the snake by its head using snake poles.

The car's owner said: 'We brought the car to the service centre late this morning to have the air conditioner checked. We thought it was just a normal mechanical problem until the staff opened the bonnet and found the python inside.

'It may have sneaked inside because our garage is surrounded by trees, and the grass grows quite tall during the rainy season.'

Rescuers later released the python into its natural habitat.

The reticulated python is found throughout Southeast Asia, where they live in forests, swamps, canals and even in cities, causing them to come into conflict with humans. The species is one of the world's largest snakes and can eat humans, cats, dogs, birds, rats and other snakes.