This is the dramatic moment a rescue team rode a cherry picker to pull a 12ft python from a warehouse ceiling in Thailand.

The animal handlers were called by workers having lunch, who spotted the serpent resting near the ceiling panels of the warehouse in Chachoengsao province past noon on April 10.

As the snake was around 23 feet above the groud, they had to use a lift to reach it.

Video shows the brave animal handlers ascending on the equipment before poking the python out of its nook and onto the ground using poles.

The beast slithered beneath stacks of boxes, but was easily caught by the team. It was later freed into its natural habitat.

Warehouse staff believe the creature had been hunting down birds on the roof. Fearing it would harm them, they called the specialists for help.

Foreman Sombat Sripai said: 'The snake could have fallen on our heads. It was a big one so I'm relieved it has been taken away now.'

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.