This is the terrifying moment a python lunged at a volunteer's chest during a rescue operation in Thailand.

Footage shows the 6ft serpent trying to slither away as a volunteer held it by its tail in Chonburi, on April 12.

The furious reptile swung around and sank its fangs into the snake wrangler's shirt as he remained unhurt.

The snake was later subdued and placed in a bag to be released into the wild.

Rescuer Puthanet Yaemkaneng said: 'The snake was caught in a coconut tree.'

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.