AN ALARMED member of the public was handed a pillowcase containing a snake.

The resident in Bagillt had a shock after their door was knocked, and they were handed a 'poorly' boa constrictor stuffed in a pillowcase.

It has dumped at the Neston View property on Tuesday evening (February 27), shortly after 6.30pm.

People at the household already kept a number of exotic pets – so it is believed the individual dropping off the snake was aware of this.

An RSPCA officer attended the property to collect the very lethargic, cold and discoloured snake. He was taken to exotic specialist vet in Cheshire – and, worryingly, is in a critical condition.

The incident has prompted an RSPCA Cymru appeal for information – with the animal welfare charity eager to decipher who the mystery man was who dropped off the snake at the Bagillt home.

RSPCA inspector Jenny Anderton said: “This poor snake was dumped at the home of an unsuspecting Bagillt resident; cold, very lethargic and showing signs of septicaemia.

“The household was home to other exotic pets, so we assume the member of the public knew this.

“We understand the man was driving a black vehicle, possibly a people carrier or estate car. He drove away in the direction of the bottom coast road A548.

“He had dark scruffy hair with heavy eyebrows, a local accent, was around six-foot tall, of slim build and was wearing trousers covered in paint, with holes in.

“Sadly, the snake remains in a serious condition – and it's hard to believe that anyone felt it necessary to dump this animal with such severe health problems.

“Anyone with information about who dumped the boa constrictor, or who owns the snake, is urged to contact our inspectorate appeal line on 0300 123 8018. All calls are treated in confidence."