The RSPCA are wanting to speak to a man seen on CCTV after a snake was found in Manchester city centre.

A 6ft long female Australian Carpet snake - otherwise known as a carpet python - was found in a box placed into a bin liner and left in a rubbish area on Canal Street around 2pm on Saturday afternoon.

The snake - which is not venomous - was discovered by staff at Kiki bar in the early hours on Sunday morning.

RSPCA officers are asking to speak to the man in the clip

A spokeswoman for the RSPCA said: “We would like to speak to the man seen in this footage walking along Richmond Street around 14:05 on 16th July.

“A snake was found in a white bin bag by the pile of bin bags behind Kiki bar on Canal Street.

“Had this snake not been found, it would have been collected with the other rubbish and most certainly would have died.

“The snake had no water and was left in a small box in a plastic bag in sub optimal temperatures for the breed.

“To dump a snake in this way is unnecessary and is an offence under the Animal Welfare Act 2006.

“There are plenty of vets, pet shops or charities that would take in any unwanted animal rather than leave it to come to harm or die in such a cruel manner.”

(Image: Vince Cole)

Staff from Kiki bar in the Gay Village found it early on Sunday morning.

The huge Australian Carpet snake - which is non-venomous - was in a plastic box tied in a sack and bin bag.

Manager of the bar Adam Edwards said he couldn’t believe his eyes.

Adam told the M.E.N: “Some of my staff had been down to take out some rubbish and one bag looked different to the others so looked inside and realised it contained a large box containing a snake. It had been wrapped in a sack and then in the bin liner. There was a lid on the box and it looks like it had been left there to die.

Anyone with any information is asked to call the 24-hour cruelty line on 0300 123 4999.