Australian police investigating a suspected break-in at a charity shop discovered the culprit was a 5.7m python.

Queensland State Police Sergeant Don Auld said officers called to the store in the town of Ingham found a damaged roof, broken goods and a pool of vomit-like liquid on the floor.

Police initially thought a thief had fallen through the ceiling and then thrown up - until members of staff spotted the giant snake the following day.

Sgt Auld said the snake probably entered the shop through the roof, fell through the ceiling and then relieved itself on the floor. Its head is the size of a small dog.

Police called a snake catcher, who hauled the reptile away. It has been relocated to nearby wetlands.

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