Article: The snake that came in from the wind ; Holidaymakers enjoying a day on the beach were sent into a panic when a 3ft tropical snake appeared in their wind-break.

Holidaymakers enjoying a day on the beach were sent into a panic when a 3ft tropical snake appeared in their wind-break.

The brightly coloured milk snake, normally found in North and South America, was seen slithering under the shelter by a family of terrified tourists.

Witnesses say "all hell broke loose" when they spotted the black- and-red reptile and fled into the sea.

Eventually a lifeguard scooped the snake up with a broom handle at Porthtowan beach near Redruth, Cornwall, before calling the RSPCA.

Officials said the snake was probably a pet which had escaped or been dumped by a cruel owner and was worth up to pounds150.

Holidaymaker Clive Rudd, 56, said: "A group of people were ...

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