A huge python is caught in a filthy, cockroach-infested hiding place after killing a neighbourhood cat in north Thailand.

A cleaner found the dead feline outside an apartment block in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand last Friday afternoon (September 6).

The terrified worker immediately suspected it had been strangled by a snake and called for emergency services, who found the 16-foot-long python curled up under a muddy slab surrounded by cockroaches, lizards and mosquitoes.

The team spent 30 minutes capturing the serpent, which weighed 44 lbs, before it was put into a sack and released into nearby woodland.

Snake catcher Apichai Jaidee said: "Anyoen who sees a snake of thinks there's one nearby should just call the rescue team to catch them, as they can often bite.

"Never try to hurt the snake or it could retaliate and attack if it is scared.''

A huge python is caught in its cockroach-infested wasteland hiding place after killing a neighbourhood cat.

A cleaner found the dead moggy outside an apartment block in Chiang Mai, northern Thailand last Friday (06/09) afternoon.

The terrified worker immediately suspected the kitty had been strangled by a snake and called for the emergency services.

Animal handlers scoured the area and found the 16ft long snake in its filthy hideout, curled up under muddy slab surrounded by cockroaches, lizards and mosquitoes.

The team spent 30 minutes capturing the serpent, which weighed 44 lb, before it was put into a sack and released into nearby woodland.

Snake catcher Apichai Jaidee said: "Anyoen who sees a snake of thinks there's one nearby should just call the rescue team to catch them, as they can often bite.

"Never try to hurt the snake or it could retaliate and attack if it is scared.''