This is the terrifying moment a huge python was found in a cafe ceiling and dragged out of the building.

The 80lbs (35kg) serpent was first spotted by the shopkeeper when it slithered over a hole in the panel overhead in Bohol province, the Philippines, on January 9.

Footage shows the 15ft (5m) reptile being pulled by a fire volunteer using a hook. It resisted, and the team members had to destroy the wooden panels to make space.

The heavy snake moved to another spot and caused the ceiling to collapse. Its head was then pinched by the men's catching tool and was successfully extracted from its hiding spot.

Volunteers helped to pull the snake as it coiled around the wooden frame and then carried it outside.

Shaken customer Joel Puerin, who watched the drama unfold, said: 'It was so big. The shop owner said they had heard strange noises at night but thought it was only cats. I'm glad it didn't come out while I was drinking my coffee.'

The serpent was taken to a local wildlife centre before being released into the wild.

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.