Canal boa constrictor man avoids prosecution

A man who reportedly threw a snake into a Gloucestershire canal will not be prosecuted, police have said.

The 42-year-old was arrested on suspicion of releasing a species of animal into the wild following the incident on 12 August.

Eyewitnesses said the snake had a cream zig-zag diamond pattern.

Officers searched the bank at Bowbridge, near Stroud, but did not find the reptile.

A police spokesman said the case had been reviewed by the Crown Prosecution Service and no further action would be taken.