A python underwent emergency surgery after a US man allegedly bit the creature twice (AP)

A python has undergone emergency surgery in the US after a man allegedly bit the creature twice.

Police officer Andrew Pettit said colleagues were called to a Sacremento neighbourhood in California after a passer-by reported that a man was lying on the ground and may have been assaulted.

When police arrived, they found 54-year-old David Senk lying on the ground, but that he did not appear to have been attacked.

Mr Pettit says another man approached officers and accused Senk of taking two bites out of his pet python.

Senk was arrested on suspicion of unlawfully maiming or mutilating a reptile.

PA