A 3ft snake thought to be a boa constrictor has been spotted in Abbey Wood - but slithered off before anybody could capture it.

The brown and green snake was spotted in Woolwich Road on Sunday, August 20.

It was spotted by a jogger at about 4pm, who shouted to borrow a phone to alert the police and the RSPCA.

Les Osborn, who assists in the running of Belvedere Sports and Social Club, said he and a crowd tried to keep children away from the scene.

He said: "Rob Kennett, a cricketer at Belvedere Spots Club, was called over by the jogger, and phoned the RSPCA and the Police as many people use Lesnes Abbey Woods, where the snake entered the woods. We tried calling 101 but it was taking ages.

"It looks like a boa constrictor. There are lots of kids walking along there and whilst we were waiting he snake went into the park."

This would not be the first time a boa constrictor has been spotted in Bexley.

In 2015, a huge snake, thought to be a boa constrictor, was photographed by two dog-walkers in Danson Park, Bexley.

In this case, the snake was thought to be about 3ft.

According to National Geographic, Boa Constrictors can grow to up to 13ft and will eat almost anything they can catch, such as birds.

Boa Constrictors have a distinctive brown, grey, or cream base colour patterned.

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA confirmed they had received a report about a snake loose in Abbey Wood.

She said: "A man called us on Sunday as he'd seen a snake on the pavement in Abbeywood.

"We advised him not to handle the snake himself and he told us the snake had disappeared. If anyone has concerns for an animal's welfare they should contact the RSPCA's 24-hour hotline on 0300 1234 999."

UPDATE: The snake has been found and rehomed - more here.