Largest ever captured python dies in Malaysia days after being found

The huge reptile may have briefly stolen the world record, but was not measured by the official body before it died

A giant python thought to be the longest ever recorded has died just days after being placed in captivity, Malaysian officials have confirmed.

The reticulated python, estimated to be eight metres (26ft) long, was found on a construction site on Penang island last week.

But according to Herme Herisyam, chief of operations for Penang’s Civil Department, the snake died three days later after giving birth.

The Guinness Book of World Records currently names the world’s longest snake to be kept in captivity as Medusa, also a reticulated python, at 7.67 metres (25ft 2 in) long.

Medusa lives at The Edge of Hell Haunted House in Kansas City, US, where she is put on show.

At 250kg – over 90kg heavier than Medusa, it is thought that the Malaysian python could have briefly stolen the world record, but it is yet to be measured by the official Guinness World Records body.

Malaysia’s Civil Defence Department, the team that caught the snake, said it took them 30 minutes to trap the dangerous reptile. It was due to be transferred to the government's Department of Wildlife before it died.