"One of the strangest incidents we’ve ever had to deal with" - Fire Station Manager reacts to finding snakes in pillowcases in Sunderland

The station manager who found two ‘bags’ of snakes in Sunderland has reacted to the bizarre incident.
The snakes were found in pillowcases outside of the station.
Smaller photo: TWFRSThe snakes were found in pillowcases outside of the station.
Smaller photo: TWFRS
The snakes were found in pillowcases outside of the station. Smaller photo: TWFRS

On the evening of Thursday, February 13, fire fighters in Sunderland found two ‘bags’ of abandoned snakes close to Farringdon Community Fire Station.

What were previously thought to be bags have now been described as pillowcases with snakes of different sizes inside.

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The RSPCA has said there were 13 Royal python snakes dumped in the bags.

At around 6.30pm a fire engine was used to block the area while firefighters dealt with the find.

A spokesperson for Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue service tweeted: “Crews from Farringdon Fire Station were shocked to discover two bags of snakes abandoned outside the station.”

On Friday, February 14, the station manager spoke of his reaction to the incident.

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Kevin Burns, the Farringdon Community Fire Station Manager, said: “On opening what turned out to be pillowcases - we discovered three large snakes and several smaller snakes, which may have been babies or another type of snake.

“I immediately called for a crew and fire engine to come and isolate the area in order to safeguard the public. I then called for assistance from both the police and the RSPCA. We were all very relieved when the RSPCA turned up to collect the snakes, who took them into their care.

“Probably one of the strangest incidents we’ve ever had to deal with.”

The RSPCA has said that the snakes are now being cared at a Vet’s practice.

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