12ft snake blamed as neighbourhood cats go missing

The evidence is circumstantial but the case looks strong. Multiple cats missing without a trace, a freshly killed body, and one well-fed, 120lb Burmese python lurking in the Florida underbrush.

Four Port St Lucie police officers captured the 12ft-long snake, which they believe is the culprit in the disappearance of a slew of neighbourhood pets over the past nine months.

“It’s the answer to so many questions,” said Pamela Dinola, who lost five of her seven cats.