Police are appealing for the owner of a rare snake found in Wiltshire to come forward.

The American corn snake was spotted by workers in woodland at Woodfalls, near Salisbury, on Friday.

The snake, which is not poisonous, is four feet long and has red and black markings.

Snake expert John Austin told the BBC it could have been living in the woods for several years.

He said the reptile could have fed on rats and mice while out in the open.

The snake is said to be in good condition.

Corn snakes are also known as red rat snakes, and are one of several species found in the United States.

They overpower their prey by constriction.