RESIDENTS of Great Leighs were warned to keep their animals inside yesterday evening after a 9ft python escaped from its owner.

Essex Police issued the warning at around 11pm yesterday evening after a member of the public reported that their animal had escaped from a property in Main Road. 

Residents were warned not to approach the python, and call 999 if it was located. 

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "Police received a report at around 11pm on Wednesday about a snake that has gone missing from an address in Main Road, Great Leighs. 

"The animal was located at around 1am and returned to its owner."