A driver caught a huge python that had slithered into the machinery of his pickup truck.

Shane Injak, 41, found the 12ft-long predator coiled near the fender of the red Ford pickup after it had attacked on one of his chickens in Chonburi province, eastern Thailand, on September 7.

As the python was too large to handle by himself, Shane called local rescue volunteers for assistance.

Footage shows how the reptile catchers dragged the python out of its cramped hiding spot using a snake pole.

Once the snake's neck was exposed, the officers grabbed onto its head and dragged it out of the truck's frame.

Rescuers said the operation took more than an hour as they had to dismantle several truck parts to reach the creature.

Shane said: 'This snake had previously swallowed one of my fighting cocks. I can rest easy knowing my chickens are safe since it's been caught.'

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.