“The City is in Shock”: Snake Strangles Two Young Children in Canada

Two boys aged five and seven were found strangled to death by a snake in New Brunswick, Canada, say police.

The two boys had been sleeping over at an apartment of a friend, which is located just above the reptile store. 

According to the police report, the preliminary investigation led police to believe that a large exotic snake escaped its enclosure at the reptile store sometime during the night and got into the ventilation system.

It then continued on into the upstairs apartment. It's believed the two boys were then strangled by the reptile.

Campbellton's deputy mayor, Ian Comeau, described the incident as a "tragedy".

"The city is in shock," he said.

Reports suggested the snake may have been a boa constrictor, but officials later said that they believed it was an African rock python.

The owner of the company told CTV News that he had had the snake since 2001.

No charges have been laid so far.

Screengrab via the BBC