A rare - but unwell - Yellow Anaconda snake has been stolen from a garage in the Furzedown area of Tooting.

The reptile was taken during a burglary at the Anvil Close premises sometime between 11pm on Friday, and 3pm on Saturday.

Police believe the thieves may attempt to sell the snake to local pet shops or collectors.

Yellow Anacondas can grow to up to 10 or 12 feet in length.

However this snake, which is black and gold in colour, is just a baby and is only 60cm long. It is thought to be worth about £200.

According to police the snake, which had been rescued, was undergoing specialist care and medical treatment.

Detective Constable Sean Stinson, from the Wandsworth burglary squad, said: “It’s a very young snake so I doubt it poses a threat to the public.

“The guy who kept it is someone who looks after reptiles that have been discarded by their owners.

“There are concerns about the welfare of this snake as it is not well and is undergoing treatment. Because it originates from a foreign climate it needs very specialist care. It has been well-fed so will be OK for a couple of weeks but it really needs to be returned to its owner.”

The Yellow Anaconda - also known as a Paraguayan Anaconda or by its Latin name of Eunectes notaeus - is a non-venomous snake from the boa constrictor species found in South America.

Adults are not as large as the Green Anaconda but can still grow to an average of 10 or 12 feet long. Females are larger than males.

Mostly preferring aquatic habitats such as swamps, marshes and riverbanks, the Yellow Anaconda likes to eat deer, wild pigs, birds and large rodents.

They often hunt by attacking from underwater, due to the fact they are slow and clumsy on land but highly proficient swimmers.

They have a reputation for being unpredictable when in captivity, but it is not uncommon for them to be kept as pets.

It is unclear whether this theft was an opportunist or planned burglary. The RSPCA has been contacted and police are asking all local pet shops to be on the lookout for anyone attempting to sell a baby snake.