This is the gruesome moment king cobra was found eating a monitor lizard.

The deadly snake had already killed the reptile with its fast-action venom and was in the process of swallowing it whole - starting with the head.

However, wildlife workers arrived and dragged the cobra away from its dinner in Krabi, southern Thailand, on May 1.

The snake was released back into woodland several miles away and the Asian water monitor lizard had be buried nearby.

Snake catcher, Panya, said: ''We received an emergency call and arrived at the time the king cobra was eating the monitor lizard.

''The snake couldn't be left finish swallowing the lizard as we had to catch it and take it away from the building.''