A SOUTHAMPTON man is appealing for witnesses after his "harmless" pet python went missing from his home. 

Darren James Flood from St Denys has launched an appeal to find his 4ft long python Julius. 

The father of three, who also owns a second python called Squeezer, is worried his pet might "scare the life out of someone" but added he is "absolutely harmless".

Recalling the moment Julius escaped, Darren said: "It is a bit silly of me. 

"I was feeding both of them and I went to see how Squeezer was doing.

"When I came back, I realised that Julius's tank was open.

"He must have crawled out of his glass tank." 

After escaping, Julius slithered out of the family's second-floor room window. 

He has now been missing for almost three weeks. 

Daily Echo: Five-year-old JuliusFive-year-old Julius

Sightings of Julius have been reported near the Bitterne Triangle, according to Darren.

He added: "I am very concerned and worried just in case he scares the life out of someone.

"He won't hurt anyone, and, to be honest, he will be more afraid of a cat.

"He is absolutely harmless."

Darren's kids are also very upset about their "much-loved" pet going missing.

Julius is a five-year-old spinner ball python and is not microchipped. 

Anyone who has seen him or who has any information is asked to email Darren at djflood2@icloud.com

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