A python had to be rescued after it slithered inside a BMW and was stuck in the fuel tank.

The reptile was caught squeezing under the car so the driver looked down to try and scare it away in Nonthaburi province on January 4.

However, the snake went further into the luxury vehicle and even hid deeper into the engine until it was stuck inside.

To save the snake and his car, the driver immediately called the animal rescuers who responded to the scene.

Driver Anan Panyot, 63, said: ‘I was about to enter my car when a vendor shouted at me that there was a snake underneath. I looked down and saw the snake but it went inside the engine instead.’

After half an hour, the snake was removed by the team who had difficulties at first because it curled under the fuel tank concealed behind the engine.

The snake which was about 10ft-long and weighed 10kg was unharmed. No one was reported hurt in the incident.

After the rescue mission, the driver thanked the team who took the snake with them and released it back into the wild.