A SLIPPERY snake caused havoc when it escaped from a pet shop. The South American Garter snake slipped out of Pets Corner on Queens Street on Friday - and sparked panic on the streets.
Police were called out, but despite being reassured by shop owner Robert Ralphson's mother that the snake was harmless, the officers declined to pick it up.
By the time Robert arrived, the foot-long snake had disappeared into a hole in the cavity wall of the shop next door.
The snake, which is black with a yellow line down its side, refused to come out again but slithered back into the hands of its relieved owner the next morning.
Robert said: "I was amazed it survived through the night because those snakes cannot stand the cold.
"It is totally harmless and never posed any threat. I have a seven foot python which would have caused more alarm."
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