Snake strangled his charmer in British first.

A popular snake handler has been found dead next to his pet python was strangled, a post mortem has revealed.

Dan Brandon, 31, was discovered at his home in Church Crookham, Hampshire, where he lived with his parents and an array of exotic animals.

One of his snakes was found slivering near his body, after seemingly escaping from its pen.

Post-mortem results found that he died as a result of 'asphyxia', Basingstoke coroner's court heard today.

Non-venomous pythons constrict their prey, rather than attacking with a bite.

However, detectives are still investigating whether Mr Brandon was killed by his pet.

An inquest into his mysterious death was opened this morning, with further hearings to be held on November 22.

His family asked to be left alone when approached by MailOnline this morning.

Mr Brandon was a keen animal enthusiast and he posted photos of him with his pets, including a huge Burmese python draped over his body, to his social media accounts.

While pythons have killed humans before, experts believe this would be the first ever case in Britain.

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-4916004/Python-near-dead-owner-investigation.html