OFFICERS are searching for the owner of a four-foot long boa snake that has been handed into police after being sssssuspiciously left at an address in Cricklewood. Barnet police were called to a Cricklewood address at 1am this morning where a bemused home

OFFICERS are searching for the owner of a four-foot long boa snake that has been handed into police after being sssssuspiciously left at an address in Cricklewood.

Barnet police were called in at 1am this morning where a bemused homeowner handed the snake - nicknamed Kojak by officers - over.

The householder claimed a woman - described as white and around 25 years old - knocked on his door asking for Andrew.

She then walked off, leaving a pillowcase behind.

The homeowner called the police when they noticed the bag was moving.

When police arrived they examined the bag, and found what they believed to be a reticulated python.

It was later discovered the snake was in face a male common boa, originating from central South America

'Kojak' is about four foot long and in very good condition. A slight clouding of the eyes suggests that the snake is about to shed its skin. It is friendly and appears used to being handled.

After taking advice from the RSPCA the snake was moved from the dog kennels into a warmer office before being collected by a veterinary nurse from London Zoo.

Police say they are not treating the incident as a crime, but if anyone has any information, they should contact police on 0300 123 1212, quoting reference Book 89/201/10.