Neighbours concerned after python goes missing in Melbourne's south-east

A missing pet python has residents on high alert in Melbourne's south-eastern suburbs.

Charlie the six-foot-long python has been on the loose since early Sunday afternoon, when he fled his owner's garden in Hughesdale after he was let out of his enclosure to enjoy some sunshine.

Owner Izzy Elhan was gardening at the time and did not see the python escape his yard.

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He has been desperately searching through bushes and gardens along Simmons Street for his beloved pet since, worried about it coming across pets or people.

"I'm doing my best to find it. I spent all my day yesterday looking, but no sign," he said.

"I've called every snake catcher in the area."

Elhan has said he is "distressed" about having lost his pet, but is "more concerned about it going to next door neighbours" homes.

He's also worried for his own small dogs, saying that Charlie would not eat a dog, but could strangle one and stop its heart beating.

Elhan has advised anyone who spots Charlie, to ring him or a snake catcher.

"Stay away, just incase it might snap at you," he said.

However, Elhan has said the python is usually "very timid".

He has raised the nine-year-old snake since it was a hatchling.

It also went missing last winter, and was gone for three weeks before it returned home.

Neighbours have told 9News they are "really worried" about a snake being loose in the area.

If anyone in the area sees Charlie they are warned not to go near him but rather, call the local council.

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