An old man stunned passers-by at Balam Estate in MacPherson yesterday morning (Nov 14) when he boldly caught a 2.5m long python by its tail.

This was the same incident reported by STOMPer Andy12345.

STOMPer Teo TK, who witnessed the incident and sent in these latest photos, said that the snake first spotted in a canal at 8am. A passer-by, a Mr Heng, than caught it using a rope.

While he and other passers-by were waiting for the arrival of the police and the AVA, the snake broke loose from the rope and crawled towards a patch of grass.

Said the STOMPer:

"Onlookers take a step back and become wary. Then one man grabs it by the tail to prevent it from getting away.

"But everyone is wondering if it was safe for him to hold on to the snake in this manner before help came. What if it turned to bite?

"A passer-by saw what had happened. He quickly pulled the thrash bag out from a rubbish bin, and helped to stuff the snake into it. Safe for now.

"The police arrived, and an officer and Mr Heng transferred the snake into a gunny sack.

"Shortly afterward, an ACRES team arrived, and took over the snake.

"According to an ACRES official, who came with her officers, this was a reticulated python. It is non-venomous, lives in grassland, rivers and canals, and feeds on rodents, birds, etc.

"What is encouraging about this episode is that three people, unknown to each other, had taken prompt and necessary action in an emergency situation to protect the safety of residents, possibly at risk of harm to themselves."