A PYTHON found dead by children playing near a river is believed to have been killed by a swan.

The body of the adult snake was discovered by youngsters as they played in Haddington yesterday (Wednesday) and was taken to the town's Animals 1st vet practice in Court Street.

It is not known whether it escaped from a nearby home or had been dumped or stolen.

But it is thought to have died after straying too close to the nest of a pair of swans on the River Tyne near Riverside Drive.

 A spokesperson for the vet practice said the python's injuries, and proximity to the nest, made it likely it was killed by one of the nesting swans.

They appealed to the owner of the snake to contact them and are currently holding on to the body for identification purposes.

They said: "We will hold it for a few weeks in the hope its owner comes forward."

Anyone who can identify the snake can contact their Haddington surgery on 01620 825574.