Search underway as 'fugitive' python escapes captivity less than a mile from Wandsworth Prison

Published: 09:53, 15 August 2026 | Updated: 09:55, 15 August 2026 Residents in south-west London have expressed alarm after an enormous python escaped from a home and went on the run less than a mile from Wandsworth prison. The 'fugitive' snake, named David Hisselhoff, measures 80 centimetres in length and is still on the loose. One local said that the WhatsApp groups in Earlsfield 'are absolutely losing it'. It's thought that he is most active at dawn and dusk and likes to hide in tight, warm spots including under floorboards, plant pots, in sheds and near AC units. Owner Kate describes him as 'super chill' and 'just a curious goofball'. David Hisselhoff has been at large since the early hours of Thursday morning. He escaped from his home less than a mile from the site of another notorious jailbreak by Daniel Khalife. 'Unfortunately in the morning I've learned I left a tiny crack open in his vivarium and he got out,' Kate told the Daily Mail. 'The bedroom door was closed but a balcony door was open because of the heat.' The 'fugitive' snake, named David Hisselhoff, measures 80 centimetres in length and is still on the loose Owner Kate describes him as 'super chill' and 'just a curious goofball', and asks residents to keep an eye out for him David Hisselhoff is a yellow ball python, a breed native to West and Central Africa which is docile by nature 'My best bet is that he got into the gutters or went on the roof somewhere,' she said. Kate appealed for locals in Earlsfield not to harm him if they find him. Instead they should get in touch with her, and keep an eye on him until she can arrive. David Hisselhoff is a yellow ball python, a breed native to West and Central Africa which is docile by nature. They can grow up to five feet in length. The snake's 'non-aggressive' character has not soothed the nerves of all locals, with one saying 'personally I don't find that much comfort as I hate snakes'. 'I'm scared to let the dog outside, what if David Hisselhoff is hungry,' said another. 'I know they say he's harmless but a python is a python at the end of the day, and if I find him looking up at me from my toilet, I don't think I'll ever be able to sit on the loo again!' 'Everyone is sleeping with their windows open, I'm terrified to open mine now, even if it's 40 degrees inside.' Another resident urged parents to be vigilant.