A SNAKE wrapped in a pillowcase was dumped on the doorstep of a Cricklewood block of flats by a mystery woman with a young girl.

Abdi Dalmar was enjoying a cigarette with a friend who lived in the block in Galsworthy Close when the woman approached them at about 1am and asked them to be let in.

She said she had been locked out of her flat by her boyfriend Andrew and went inside, but came out a few minutes later and left a pillowcase on the front doorstep.

The pair noticed the case moving and decided to call police as they feared animal cruelty.

However, when officers arrived and untied it a four foot common Boa constrictor slithered out.

Mr Balmar told the Times Series: “We were shocked. We thought it might have been a dog or a cat, but never expected it to be a snake.

“The police were pretty scared as well, they're not used to this sort of thing either. When the woman dumped it there we shouted after her but she ignored us and just walked off.

“She just disappeared, it was crazy.”

Officers took the snake back to Colindale Police Station where it was initially kept in the dog kennels, although it was moved to the press room on advice of the RSPCA.

The snake, which has been dubbed Kojak by officers, has now been collected by officials from London Zoo, although police are still hoping to trace the owner and stress they are not currently investigating a crime.

Anyone with information can contact Barnet Police on 0300 123 1212.