A spectacled caiman crocodile is alleged to have been found during a raid on a home in Southend. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: Archant)
A 4ft spectacled caiman and 16 snakes were found during a house search by police working on a drugs investigation in Essex.
Stunned detectives stumbled across the unusual animals, some of which were found dead, at an address in Southend yesterday.
Pythons, a Madagascan giant hognose snake and a scorpion were discovered in a bedroom alongside a spectacled caiman.
Another seven snakes were found dead.
Police arrested a 36-year-old man from Basildon on suspicion of cannabis production, keeping a dangerous animal without a licence and animal cruelty offences in connection with the incident.
He was released on bail until February 13 pending further inquiries.
Anyone with information should call police in Essex on 101.
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