Decapitated snake discovered in Danson Park, Bexleyheath, a week after six-foot boa constrictor found in same area

Dad-of-two Ian Willey and his sons, Calum, 12, and eight-year-old Evan made the discovery in Danson Park at around 2.30pm today (November 15).

The family, of Honley Road, Catford, spotted the four-foot long dead reptile just yards from the children’s play area before reporting it to park rangers.

The RSPCA said it was “extremely concerned” about the second snake, which is believed to be another boa constrictor.

Lewisham Toy Library manager Mr Willey, 43, told News Shopper: “Near the children’s play area, I had seen this thing in the grass, I thought it was a branch.

“We were stood next to it and my son Calum said, ‘It’s a snake’.

“I did a double take and it was.

“We didn’t know one had been found here the previous week.”

Ian Willey took this photo of the dead snake found in Danson Park

Last week, News Shopper reported that Debbie Liddy and her husband Kevin, of Park View Road, Welling, photographed a boa constrictor while they were out walking their four dogs in the park.

Debbie and Kevin Liddy photographed the boa constrictor found in Danson Park, Bexleyheath on November 6 (Photo by Debbie and Kevin Liddy)

The RSPCA later rescued the six-foot long snake, which park rangers had managed to contain inside a bin before taking it to a reptile rescue centre.

RSPCA inspector Anthony Pulfer, said it was far too cold for snakes to be outside at this time of year and believes the boa constrictor could have dumped by its owner.

He said: “If this is the case this is irresponsible as these can be dangerous animals.”

The boa constrictor found in Danson Park, Bexleyheath, on November 6, was rescued by the RSPCA

Describing the snake found today, Mr Willey added: “This one had its head missing.

"It was damaged at both ends with a bit of the spine visible.

“It was a very double take moment.”

An RSPCA spokesperson said: "We are extremely concerned to find this second snake just 10 days after the first boa and in the same location.

"Both snakes are believed to have been kept as exotic pets and are likely to have been dumped in the park - possibly at the same time.

"All snakes need specialist conditions to survive as they cannot produce their own body heat.

“For this type of snake, usually found in Central America, the low temperatures would have been particularly dangerous.

“It is believed the second snake is likely to have died because of the cold and unsuitable conditions he was left in.

“Releasing any non-native animal into the wild is likely to compromise its welfare and is illegal under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

"We are investigating this issue and urge anyone with any information about these snakes to call us on 0300 123 8018."

Another passerby Richard Redwood took photos of the dead snake and shared them on social media.

A close up of the dead snake found in Danson Park (Photo by Richard Redwood)

He tweeted: "Found a dead very large #snake in #dansonpark not sure if it's the same one from in the week."